At Aster Hospital Mankhool, we have achieved a monumental milestone: successfully performing over 10,000 catheterisation laboratory procedures since the inception of our Cath Lab in 2018.
This figure represents the total number…
Posterior Urethral Valves Surgery
Paediatric Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) Surgery & Treatment in Dubai
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are abnormal folds of tissue in the urethra that can obstruct the flow of urine in boys. The condition develops before birth and may affect the bladder, ureters and kidneys when urine cannot pass normally.
Some babies are diagnosed during pregnancy, while others are identified after birth because of difficulty passing urine, urinary infections or problems with kidney function. PUV ablation, also called transurethral valve ablation (TUVA), is an endoscopic procedure used to remove or incise the obstructing valves.
At Aster Hospitals, paediatric urology teams assess children with suspected urinary tract obstruction and guide families through investigations, treatment and follow-up.
Causes of Posterior Urethral Valves
Posterior urethral valves are thin membranes located in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. These membranes can partially or completely restrict urine flow.
The obstruction can cause the bladder to work harder to empty. In more severe cases, pressure can build up in the urinary tract and affect the kidneys. The effect varies from one child to another, which is why assessment and regular monitoring are important.
What Is PUV Surgery?
The main treatment for significant obstruction is endoscopic treatment to remove or divide the valve tissue and allow urine to pass more freely. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia using a small instrument passed through the urethra.
Parents seeking PUV surgery treatment can ask the paediatric urology team about the procedure, anaesthesia, hospital stay and expected recovery.
What Are the Symptoms of PUV?
Affected babies may have a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty passing urine, a swollen abdomen or repeated urinary tract infections.
Severe obstruction may be associated with reduced urine production, breathing problems caused by low amniotic fluid before birth or impaired kidney function. Older children may present with recurrent infections, difficulty emptying the bladder or changes in urinary habits.
Parents concerned about these symptoms can consult a paediatric urologist in Dubai for an appropriate assessment.
How Is PUV Treated?
Endoscopic Valve Ablation: The main treatment for significant PUV obstruction. A small instrument is passed through the urethra to divide or ablate the obstructing valve tissue and improve urine flow.
Bladder Drainage: A urinary catheter may be used to drain the bladder and relieve obstruction, particularly before definitive valve treatment or when immediate drainage is needed.
Antibiotics: Paediatric urologists may prescribe antibiotics to treat or help prevent urinary tract infections when clinically indicated.
Kidney and Bladder Monitoring: Regular assessment may be needed to monitor kidney function, bladder function and urinary drainage after treatment.
Ongoing Bladder Management: Some children continue to have bladder dysfunction after successful valve ablation and may require medicines, catheterisation or other treatments based on their individual needs.
Long-term Follow-up: Children with PUV often require ongoing paediatric urology and kidney-function monitoring because urinary problems can persist even after the obstruction has been treated.
Recovery After PUV Surgery
After treatment, the child is monitored for urine flow, infection and other concerns. Some children may need continued bladder and kidney monitoring even after the obstruction has been treated.
Follow-up may include urine tests, blood tests, ultrasound or other investigations depending on the child's condition.
Why Choose Aster Hospitals for PUV Treatment?
At Aster Hospitals, the paediatric team assesses the child's urinary symptoms and recommends investigations and treatment according to the clinical findings. Such as-
- Paediatric Assessment: The doctor evaluates the child's symptoms, reports and relevant test results and further plans the treatment process with the whole team.
- Specialist Urology Care: Children with suspected posterior urethral valves can be assessed by a specialist team familiar with paediatric urinary conditions.
- Individualised Treatment: The treatment plan depends on the degree of obstruction and its effect on the bladder and kidneys.
- Coordinated Care: The team provides care before and after the procedure, thereby arranging follow-up when continued monitoring is required.
- Clear Communication with Parents: Parents can discuss the reason for treatment, the procedure, the possible recovery period and follow-up during consultation.
- Accessible Locations: Paediatric healthcare services are available at Aster Hospitals in Mankhool, Al Qusais, Jebel Ali and Muhaisnah.
Families looking for a PUV surgery hospital can visit their preferred Aster Hospitals location and book an appointment with our paediatric urology team to have their child's urinary condition assessed and discuss the appropriate treatment option.
Meet Our Paediatric Urology Specialists
Our paediatric urology specialists assess children with posterior urethral valves by considering their symptoms, investigations, urinary function and kidney health. A PUV doctor can explain whether the child needs immediate treatment or further assessment.
Parents looking for a PUV surgery specialist can visit our paediatric hospital for evidence-based treatment and follow-up after the valve has been treated. If surgery is recommended, the surgeon will explain the procedure, how the child will be cared for afterwards and what parents should expect during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can posterior urethral valves be treated?
Yes. When the valves obstruct the flow of urine, they can usually be treated with an endoscopic procedure. A small instrument is passed through the urethra to cut the valve tissue and clear the blockage.
Does every child with PUV need surgery?
No, surgery is not needed in every case of PUV. Surgery is considered when the valve is causing significant obstruction or affecting the bladder or kidneys of that child.
Can PUV affect the kidneys?
Yes, PUV can put pressure on the urinary system and may affect the kidneys, especially when the obstruction is severe. So, it's better to get regular tests to ensure that.
When should a child with suspected PUV see a specialist?
When a child has difficulty passing urine, repeated urinary infections or an abnormal finding on a prenatal scan, they should visit a paediatric urologist. The doctor can check whether a blockage is present and advise on the next step.
Last updated: 04-11-2026
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