Free Consultation
Posterior Urethral Valve (PUV) Surgery Treatment India
How does the urinary system work?
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, the bladder and ureters. The kidneys filter the blood to remove waste products and form urine. The urine flows from the kidneys down through the ureters to the bladder. During urination it passes through another tube called the urethra to the outside when urinating (peeing).
What are posterior urethral valves?
Posterior urethral valves (or PUV) are an abnormality of the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body for elimination. The abnormality occurs when the urethral valves, which are small leaflets of tissue, have a narrow, slit-like opening that partially impedes urine outflow. Reverse flow occurs and can affect all of the urinary tract organs including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The organs of the urinary tract become engorged with urine and swell, causing tissue and cell damage. The degree of urinary outflow obstruction will determine the severity of the urinary tract problems.
To Get Free Quotes & Consultation For This Treatment in India
Call us at : +91 73876 16793
WhatsApp : +91 73876 16793
Email us : [email protected]
What causes posterior urethral valves?
PUV are the most common cause of severe types of urinary tract obstruction in children. It is thought to develop in the early stages of fetal development. The abnormality affects only male infants and occurs in about one in 8,000 births. This disorder is usually sporadic (occurs by chance). However, some cases have been seen in twins and siblings, suggesting a genetic component.
What are the symptoms of posterior urethral valves?
The syndrome may occur in varying degrees from mild to severe. The following are the most common symptoms of posterior urethral valves. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
-
An enlarged bladder that may be detectable through the abdomen as a large mass
-
Urinary tract infection, or UTI (usually uncommon in children younger than 5 years and unlikely in boys at any age, unless an obstruction is present)
-
Painful urination
-
Weak urine stream
-
Urinary frequency
-
Bedwetting or wetting pants after the child has been toilet-trained
-
Poor weight gain
-
Difficulty with urination
The symptoms of PUV may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How are posterior urethral valves diagnosed?
The severity of the obstruction often determines how a diagnosis is made. Often, PUV are diagnosed by fetal ultrasound while a woman is still pregnant. Children who are diagnosed later often have developed urinary tract infections that require evaluation by a physician. This may prompt your physician to perform further diagnostic tests, which may include:
-
Abdominal ultrasound - a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
-
voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) - a specific x-ray that examines the urinary tract. A catheter (hollow tube) is placed in the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and the bladder is filled with a liquid dye. X-ray images will be taken as the bladder fills and empties. The images will show if there is any reverse flow of urine into the ureters and kidneys.
-
Endoscopy - a test that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of part of the urinary tract. Tissue samples from inside the urinary tract may also be taken for examination and testing.
-
Blood test -may be ordered to assess your child's electrolytes and to determine kidney function.
How rare is it and who is affected?
PUV seems to occur in one in every 8000 births and affects only boys.
To Get Free Quotes & Consultation For This Treatment in India
Call us at : +91 73876 16793
WhatsApp : +91 73876 16793
Email us : [email protected]
Treatment for posterior urethral valves:
Specific treatment for PUV will be determined by your child's physician based on:
-
Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
-
The extent of the abnormality
-
Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
-
Expectations for the course of the abnormality
-
Your opinion or preference
-
Treatment for PUV depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment may include the following:
-
Supportive care
Initially, treatment may focus on relieving your child's symptoms. If your child has a urinary tract infection, is dehydrated, and/or has electrolyte irregularities, these conditions will be treated first. Your child may have a catheter placed in his bladder (a small hollow tube that is inserted into the penis through the urethra and is threaded up into the bladder). You child may also receive antibiotic therapy and intravenous (IV) fluids.
-
Endoscopic Ablation
After the initial management, an urologist (a physician who specializes in the disorders and care of the urinary tract and the male genital tract) may see your child. An urologist may perform a procedure called an endoscopic ablation. During this procedure, the urologist will insert an endoscope, a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end. With this tube he/she will examine the obstruction and remove the valve leaflets through a small incision. -
Vesicotomy
In certain situations, a different procedure called a vesicostomy may be required. A vesicostomy is a small opening made in the bladder through the abdomen. Usually this opening is repaired at a later time when the valves can be cut more safely.
Nearly 30 percent of boys with PUV may have some long-term kidney failure that may need to be addressed. The prognosis for PUV improves when detected early.
Complications
-
Incontinence
-
Urinary tract infection
-
Renal failure
-
Vesicoureteral reflux
To Get Free Quotes & Consultation For This Treatment in India
Call us at : +91 73876 16793
WhatsApp : +91 73876 16793
Email us : [email protected]
What is the outlook for children with PUV?
The outlook depends on how much damage has already occurred in the kidneys. Your doctors will be able to give you a better idea once they have all of your child test and blood results. Your child will need follow up appointments on a long term basis to check that no lasting damage has been done to the urinary system.