Prenatally Diagnosed Posterior Urethral Valves: Ethical Dilemmas of Fetal Intervention

Urology. 2022 Nov:169:207-210. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.05.025. Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Abstract

Although anhydramnios due to in utero renal failure has traditionally been considered lethal, in utero interventions offer the potential for pulmonary survival. As fetal interventions become more common, questions arise about how to identify and counsel eligible candidates. In this report we describe the presentation and management of a 17-year-old pregnant female who presented from out-of-state with severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) with associated anhydramnios, focusing on the ethical questions that this case raised.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Fetal Diseases* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Renal Insufficiency* / diagnosis
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal
  • Urethral Diseases*
  • Urethral Obstruction* / diagnosis
  • Urethral Obstruction* / etiology
  • Urethral Obstruction* / surgery
  • Urinary Tract* / diagnostic imaging