Posterior urethral valves. Role of temporary and permanent urinary diversion.

Between 1960 and 1983, 67 boys were treated for posterior urethral valves. Despite adequate valve ablation, azotemia eventually developed in 19, and they underwent permanent urinary diversion. Normal renal function was not achieved in any of these children. Diversion does not appear to have changed the natural course of their renal insufficiency, which is most likely secondary to damage incurred prior to their initial presentation. Prognostic factors useful to identify this select population are examined.