Overview

Posterior Urethral Valves

Posterior urethral valves (PUV) is the most common congenital cause of lower urinary tract obstruction. Even with early intervention, many patients continue to experience bladder problems later in life, including progressive bladder and renal function deterioration. Many patients will experience urinary incontinence and bothersome bladder symptoms, which can be treated by a urologist.

Patients with PUV require long-term monitoring of their renal function with urologists and nephrologists given the lifetime risk of progression to end-stage renal disease, with up to ½ developing renal failure by early adulthood.

Our specialists in the Northwestern Medicine Congenital Urology Program are fellowship-trained in the most up-to-date reconstructive techniques and management strategies for this condition.