Long-term outcome of posterior urethral valves ablation using the Mohan's urethral valvotome.

CONTEXT: Posterior urethral valves are the most common cause of mechanical infravesical obstruction in children. The disorder has a broad spectrum of severity and the patients could develop complications on the long term, even after valves ablation.
OBJECTIVE: To report the result of the follow-up study of 26 children who had posterior urethral valves ablated with the Mohan's urethral valvotome at the University college hospital, Ibadan over a period of five years. STUDY DESIGN SETTING AND
SUBJECTS: Children who had posterior urethral valves ablated with the Mohan's urethral valvotome at the UCH, Ibadan between January 1996 and December 2000 were followed up in the out patient clinic on a regular basis.
RESULTS: A total of 26 patients with posterior urethral valves had the valves ablated with the Mohan's urethral valvotome during the period of the study. The period of follow-up varied between 18 months and five years. Problems noticed on follow-up include recurrent urinary tract infections in 35% of the cases, acute and chronic renal failure in 5% and 15% respectively, rickets, anaemia, malnutrition and urethral stricture.
CONCLUSION: Children who had posterior urethral valves ablated should be followed up much beyond the immediate post valve ablation period as complications could arise on the long term.