Publication

Abstract : Electrothermic fulguration of posterior urethral valves with a resectoscope is difficult in newborns, especially in small for gestation date and premature newborns because of a small caliber urethra. This difficulty has prompted the innovation of the valvotome described. The outer diameter of the valvotome is 3 mm. and it can be easily introduced without stretching the urethra. This instrument has been used successfully in 8 patients to date. Patient age ranged from 3 days to 3½ years with varying degrees of hydronephrosis and hydroureter. All patients have a good urinary stream with regression of the hydronephrosis and hydroureter. (J. Urol., 144: 1196–1198, 1990)