Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
posterior urethral valves
Congenital obstructive leaflets in the posterior urethra of male infants, causing urinary tract obstruction.
Full Definition
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are the most common cause of severe congenital urinary tract obstruction in male newborns. These abnormal tissue folds in the posterior urethra can cause significant bladder dysfunction, hydronephrosis, and chronic kidney disease if not promptly diagnosed and treated. The condition may present antenatally with oligohydramnios or postnatally with poor urinary stream and recurrent infections.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as PUV; occurs only in males.
In Context
- "Prenatal ultrasound showed severe bilateral hydronephrosis suggestive of posterior urethral valves." — Prenatal consultation note
- "Cystoscopic ablation of the posterior urethral valves was performed to relieve obstruction." — Operative report
Also known as
PUV
Don't confuse with
anterior urethral valves
urethral stricture