Rupturing of valves of the posterior urethra in the newborn using a balloon catheter. Results of the technic apropos of a series of 10 children

: Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of urethral valves is now common. Treatment of the urethral obstruction has sometimes to be done in low weight newborn babies. In these babies, the stripping of valves using a Fogarty catheter provides an helpful way of treatment, easier than endoscopy. The technique is presented here. The results of this procedure in 10 neonates with a follow up of 3 to 22 months are reported. The urethral obstruction is easily cured in most patients without using a previous diversion. This procedure is indicated in premature or hypotrophic newborns when the urethral size is too small to allow a safe endoscopic section of the valves. We did not observe secondary stricture. Follow up is too short to allow a correct investigation of the continence.