Long-term results in surgical treatment of posterior urethral valves.

In a series of 44 boys operated on for urethral valves more than 10 years ago two died. In the surviving patients, hydronephrosis and hydroureters improved markedly in 4/5, infection disappeared in 3/4, renal function seemed to normalize in more than 1/2. All valves arose from the anterior wall of the prostatic urethra. Consequently, transurethral resections were done anteriorly. Preoperative treatment was restricted to temporary correction of dehydration and acidosis for some hours or a few days. Otherwise, uremia is no contraindication.