Condition
Pediatric Posterior Urethral Valve
Key Points About Posterior Urethral Valves in Children
- Posterior urethral valves are a problem with the urethra in a boy. The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
- These valves are small leaflets of tissue in the urethra. They partly block urine flow because not enough urine can get through them to leave the body. This causes a reverse flow of urine.
- These valves can harm the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. They become too full of urine and swell. This leads to tissue damage.
- These valves likely happen early in the growth of a baby boy in the uterus.
- They are often diagnosed by fetal ultrasound while a woman is still pregnant.
- Treatment may include removing the valves with surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are posterior urethral valves in children?
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What are possible complications of posterior urethral valves in a child?
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
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Urology Treatment at Children's National Hospital
The Division of Urology at Children's National Hospital offers expert care and advanced diagnostic testing in a family-centered environment. Discover more about the treatment we offer.
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Meet the Providers Who Treat Posterior Urethral Valve
Departments that Treat Posterior Urethral Valve
![Baby crawling on exam table](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/departments/urology/urology_hero-image.jpg)
Urology
At Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., our pediatric urologists provide comprehensive care for disorders affecting reproductive and urinary organs.
![A baby with a stethoscope.](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/blogs/all-istock-photos/baby-with-a-stethoscope.jpg)
The Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute
The Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., provides specialized care for babies during pregnancy, delivery and after birth.
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Neonatology
Whether your infant has arrived prematurely or has a critical illness, the Children's National Hospital's top-ranked team assists in coordinating every service you and your baby need, including consultations, assessments, emergency treatments and continuing care.