PRESENTATION, MANAGEMENT, AND OUTCOME OF POSTERIOR URETHRAL VALVES IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN

Abstract

Introduction: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction and renal insufciency in male children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presentation, management, challenges, and outcome of the disease in a Western Rajasthan tertiary health institution. Methods: In a retro-prospective study, 26 male children were included from November 2017 to March 2020 at Dr. S.N.Medical college, Jodhpur. Diagnosis was conrmed by voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG). Results: A total of 26 patients were managed for PUV.The mean age of presentation was 3.45 years with 65.8% of the patients presenting after 1 year. Voiding dysfunction noted in 23(88.4%) patients was the most common presentation. Most common nding on physical examination was palpable bladder 15(57.6%) while UTI noted in 15 (57.6%) patients was most common complication. Abdominal sonography revealed dilated posterior urethra in 10(38.4%) cases, while VCUG revealed a dilated posterior urethra in 19 (75%) cases.The creatinine value at presentation ranged from 0.4-4.5 mg/dl with a mean of 1.10 ± 0.95 mg/dl. Valve ablation with a diathermy bugbee electrode & holmium laser provided relief of obstructions in the 23 (88.4%) patients who underwent the procedure without immediate complication. The period of follow-up ranged between 1 weeks to 2 years with a mean of 8.2 months. There was sustained improvement in urine stream, reduction in the mean creatinine concentration and incidence of UTI during follow-up. Conclusion: Many patients with PUVpresented late within the reviewed period. Valve ablation provided relief of obstruction in most of the cases. Efforts at improving awareness among general population and early diagnosis and referral among the health team should be encouraged. There is a need to counsel parents on the need for long-term follow-up