Objectives: This study evaluates the place of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in neonates with posterior urethral valves (PUV).
Material and methods: 11 neonates with PUV, 10 of which were diagnosed antenatally, were treated. PCN drainage was performed in 9 cases, prior to endoscopic resection. Six PCN were bilateral and 3 were unilateral, for the following indications: renal failure in 5 cases, severe infection in 2 cases, evaluation of a dilated kidney in 2 cases.
Results: These PCN were left in place for an average of 18 days. Two cases of asymptomatic postoperative bacteriuria were observed. One nephrectomy and one cutaneous ureterostomy followed by reimplantation for megaureter were performed on the diverted kidneys.
Conclusion: PCN has become the method of upper tract diversion in most cases of neonatal PUV. In addition to the classical indications (severe urinary tract infection, renal failure), it allows perfectly safe resection of valves in the case of upper tract dilatation and assessment of the kidneys.