The clinical and radiological findings in boys with endoscopically severe congenital posterior urethral obstruction

Abstract

Objective: To assess the clinical and radiological spectrum in boys with endoscopically severe posterior urethral obstruction, as there is a broad clinical spectrum which does not always correlate with the cystoscopic findings.

Patients and methods: Between December 1990 and July 2000, 39 boys (newborn to 12 years old) underwent cystoscopy to investigate a urethral anomaly and were found to have a severe obstructing posterior urethral membrane. Their voiding cystograms, video-recorded cystoscopy and presenting signs were reviewed.

Results: Of the 39 boys assessed, a voiding cystogram and presenting signs were available in 36. Of these 36 boys, three cystograms were initially reported as normal, eight showed posterior urethral dilatation as the only feature, and the remainder had more severe bladder and upper tract changes. Fourteen were diagnosed after identifying antenatal hydronephrosis, four presented with voiding dysfunction, one with haematuria and 17 were found after investigation of a urinary tract infection.

Conclusions: This study shows that a congenital posterior urethral membrane that has only a small posterior defect endoscopically can have a wide clinical and radiological spectrum. The difference in outcome may be caused by variations in the response of the bladder to the obstruction, resulting in a different effect on the upper tracts.