Long-term Evaluation of Patients with Fulguration of Posterior Urethral Valve: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) are the most common cause of lower urinary tract obstruction. More severe forms are detected early in pregnancy (mainly type I), while other forms are usually discovered later in childhood when investigating lower urinary tract symptoms. Bladder dysfunction is common and is associated with urinary incontinence in about 55% (0%-72%). Despite the removal of the obstruction by urethral valve ablation, pathological changes in the urinary tract can occur with progressive bladder dysfunction, which can cause deterioration of the upper urinary tract as well. For this reason, all children with PUV require long-term follow-up, always until puberty. In many cases, the life-long current status is uncertain. The current literature lacks research on long-term outcomes.