posterior urethral valves
Also written as: PUV — posterior urethral valves
Congenital obstructive tissue folds in the male posterior urethra that impede urine flow, potentially causing kidney damage and bladder dysfunction.
Full Definition
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are abnormal tissue folds or membranes that develop in the posterior urethra of male infants, creating a partial or complete obstruction to urine flow. This congenital anomaly represents the most common cause of severe urinary obstruction in male newborns and can lead to significant complications including hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux, chronic kidney disease, and bladder dysfunction. The condition is often diagnosed prenatally through ultrasound showing oligohydramnios and fetal kidney abnormalities, or postnatally when infants present with poor urinary stream, urinary tract infections, or failure to thrive. Treatment requires prompt surgical intervention with valve ablation, typically performed using endoscopic techniques. Long-term management focuses on preserving kidney function and addressing associated bladder dysfunction.
Usage
Usage note: Occurs only in males. Commonly abbreviated as PUV. Emphasize urgency of diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
In Context
- "Prenatal ultrasound revealed severe oligohydramnios and bilateral hydronephrosis concerning for posterior urethral valves." — Maternal-fetal medicine consultation
- "Endoscopic ablation of posterior urethral valves was performed to relieve the obstruction and preserve renal function." — Pediatric urology operative report