What Is Anterior Urethral Valve Obstruction?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Question: Are you familiar with anterior urethral valve obstruction?

Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AUV obstruction is a familiar term for any Urologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist, AUV(anterior urethral valve) obstruction, is a very familiar term.
The diagnosis is very evident on doing a test called VCUG / MCUG.
VCUG / MCUG mean voiding or micturating cysto urethro graphy.
A contrast filled in bladder is used to diagnose this condition.
The person suspected of having this problem, is asked to pass urine (mixed with contrast), and that is recorded on a X-RAY film.
The AUV is more of a saccular form of deformity by birth, where, urine collects at the site of AUV, in the anterior part of the urinary tube.
Once diagnosed, it needs surgical treatment for correction.
If you need any other information, you're most welcome to ask me.
Wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (21 minutes later)

My son had a bladder obstruction and it was the valve. He had ablation. Is this the same thing.
thanks

Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
PUV is very different from AUV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Bladder obstruction is caused by the commoner PUV (posterior urethral valve).
A PUV is located near the bladder neck or just below that area, and causes urinary obstruction.
It's diagnosed on a MCUG and a cystoscopy test.
Once ablated, it's a cure for the obstruction.
You can see the results instantaneously, as urine comes out with good force.
AUV is a rare condition and very different.
Both conditions occur by birth.
Don't worry about it any more.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (1 hour later)

I am unsettled in mind because of the following: My son 31 had a bladder obstruction which from bladder xray said he had mild bladder wall thickness and an outlet obstruction. He had a cystoscopy and the doctor after the procedure said it was a valve urethra problem and that he ablated the membrane and opened the hole. He gave us pictures. The doctor said this was a congenital defect. My son had a cather for three days and then started to urinate well. This was in the month of February. I went to my son's 6 month checkup and his bladder scan showed his bladder was zero. I was very y happy. I said to the doctor I have been reading about PUV and he stated that it was not PUV but something more rare and it was congenital. I said what was it and he said was not going to give me a course in urology. My son's urine stream is good but he only urinates 3-4 times in a 24 hour period. The doctor said the most important thing was the stream. I asked if this could come back and the doctor said yes. That is the part that has caused me a lot of anxiety. Since the doctor had said it was valve and it is not PUV I thought it had to be the anterior valve. I have pictures from the procedure and can get medical records.

It is my son and I want to make sure we are top on this. I get worried when I read if it is a stricture and repeat procedures can cause problems.

Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A treatment summary is mandatory.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
As your doctor refuses to divulge the diagnosis and give you a proper discharge summary of the treatment, which is your right to have , you can send me the X-ray report and cystoscopy report, and i'll give you the correct diagnosis.
Insist on the doctor and get a copy of the treatment summary.
Wish your son good health.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar