Long-term outcomes of kidney and bladder function in patients with a posterior urethral valve

We investigated long-term functional changes in the kidney and bladder of patients with posterior urethral valve (PUV) who underwent fetal intervention or postnatal surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 28 consecutive patients treated for PUV at our institution. Detailed data on medical and surgical histories, particularly on pre- and postnatal treatment modality, including fetal vesicoamniotic shunt, endoscopic valve ablation, and vesicostomy, were collected and analyzed. Long-term renal function was evaluated based on serum levels of creatinine (sCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and renal scans. Voiding function was evaluated in urodynamic tests. Vesicoamniotic shunting was performed in 12 (42.8%) patients. Although the mean initial sCr was significantly higher in patients in whom a fetal shunt was placed than in others (2.04 vs 1.17 mg/L, P = .038), the sCr at long-term follow-up was not significantly different between them (0.64 vs 0.40 mg/L, P = .186). The mean maximum detrusor pressure was significantly lower in patients with a fetal shunt than in others (37.7 vs 73.0 cm H(2)O, P = .019). Postnatal vesicostomy was performed in 14 patients, and primary valve ablation was performed in 13 patients. The mean initial sCr was higher in patients in the vesicostomy group than in the primary valve ablation group (2.08 vs 0.86 mg/L, P = .014). However, no significant differences were found in sCr (0.9 vs 0.3 mg/L, P = .252) or GFR (59.1 vs 68.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = .338) at long-term follow-up. Bladder capacity was greater and residual urine volume was less in the vesicostomy group than in the primary valve ablation group, but without statistical significance. Vesicostomy is more beneficial in the recovery of renal function and is not inferior in terms of bladder function, even in patients with severe PUV disorder. It is a reliable surgical option that can spare renal function and guarantee adequate bladder function in the long term.