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Condition

Pediatric Posterior Urethral Valve

What You Need to Know

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.

Diagnosis

Your child may also have tests, such as:

  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)
  • Cystoscopy
  • Blood test 

Key Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

  • An enlarged bladder that can be felt through the belly
  • Pain when urinating
  • Weak urine stream
  • Feeling the need to urinate often
  • Bedwetting or pants wetting after toilet training
  • Poor weight gain
  • Urinary tract infection 

Treatment

Treatment may include:

  • Supportive care
  • Cystoscopic ablation
  • Vesicostomy

Schedule an Appointment

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs. Meet the providers who treat posterior urethral valves and schedule an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore frequently asked questions about posterior urethral valves.

What are posterior urethral valves in children?

What causes posterior urethral valves in a child?

What are the symptoms of posterior urethral valves in a child?

How are posterior urethral valves diagnosed in a child?

How are posterior urethral valves treated in a child?

What are possible complications of posterior urethral valves in a child?

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Departments that Treat Posterior Urethral Valve

    Young baby sleeping in NICU bed

    Neonatology

    Whether your infant has arrived prematurely or has a critical illness, the Children's National Hospital's top-ranked neonatology team assists in coordinating every service you and your baby need, including consultations, assessments, emergency treatments and continuing care.