Outcomes of Endoscopic Ablation of Posterior Urethral Valves in Children: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

<i>Introduction:</i> The management of posterior urethral valves is challenging in the absence of early diagnosis and optimal technical facilities. Once performed, endoscopic resection of the valves does not guarantee complete healing. The aim of our study was to investigate the outcome of patients treated for posterior urethral valves by endoscopic resection in two hospitals in the city of Yaounde.<i> Materials and methods:</i> This was a 5 years retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in two hospitals in the city of Yaounde from 2019 to 2024. All patients included had been treated for posterior urethral valves by endoscopic resection. Socio-demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic variables were investigated.<i> Results:</i> A total of 35 patients were treated over the five-year period, with an admission rate of 6 cases per year. The median age at presentation was 02 years, and 29 participants (82.8%) presented late. Dysuria and recurrent urinary tract infections were the main reasons for consultation. Endoscopic valve ablation relieved obstruction in all participants except 5 (14.3%) who had residual valves. Creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate before and after resection were measured in 15 participants; among them, 9 (47.5%) had renal insufficiency with a GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>, which did not improve after valve resection. Uroflowmetry showed abnormalities in three patients with a Qmax < 15 ml/s. The mortality rate was 2.9%. <i>Conclusion:</i> Endoscopic resection of posterior urethral valves significantly improves micturition. Follow-up is necessary to prevent complications.