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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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PATIENT STORY

Mila's Story

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