Posterior Urethral Valves

Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) are a congenital obstruction of the male posterior urethra that can have lifelong effects on the urinary tract, ranging from voiding dysfunction to renal insufficiency. The key to their diagnosis lies in a high index of clinical suspicion in conjunction with thorough imaging. Management depends initially upon surgical relief of the obstruction, followed by close follow-up by the pediatric urologist. Further management may require intervention such as catheterization and/or medication like anticholinergics. Children with PUVs who progress to end-stage renal disease should also be followed by a pediatric nephrologist.