Services & Specialties

Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) Center

Helping Children with Posterior Urethral Valves Thrive

Learning your child has posterior urethral valves (PUV) can feel overwhelming. Families often worry about kidney health, bladder function and what the future may hold. At Cincinnati Children’s, we help families understand the condition and build a clear plan for care. 

The PUV Center at Cincinnati Children’s is the world’s first multidisciplinary center to care for patients with posterior urethral valves. Our center provides world-class clinical care and outcomes to local, national, and international patients. Each year, we care for about 160 patients with PUV, including children with complex kidney and urinary tract concerns. Our team works closely with families to provide personalized treatment, second opinions and long-term support.

Posterior Urethral Valves Expertise and Coordinated Care

Nationally Recognized Pediatric Experts

Cincinnati Children’s has been ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 20 years. Multiple specialties involved in the PUV Center are nationally ranked, including the Pediatric Urology Program.

Our providers share research and expertise with specialists around the world to improve care for children with posterior urethral valves and chronic kidney disease.

Coordinated Whole-Child Care

Our team-based care model helps families receive coordinated support in one program. Specialists from urology, nephrology, pulmonology, behavioral medicine, social work, school services and developmental pediatrics work together to support the whole child.

This coordinated approach helps reduce fragmented care and creates one clear treatment plan for families.

Personalized Support at Every Stage

Every child receives a personalized care plan based on their symptoms, kidney function and long-term needs. We follow many children from infancy through age 21 to support bladder health, kidney care and healthy development.

Families also work closely with a dedicated nurse coordinator who helps schedule visits, answer questions, connect families with resources and support care decisions.

Advanced Care for Complex Conditions

Posterior urethral valves are a rare condition that can affect the bladder, kidneys and lungs. Our team has experience caring for children with complex urinary tract concerns, chronic kidney disease and pulmonary complications linked to PUV.

Because Cincinnati Children’s includes both a Fetal Care Center and Kidney Transplant program, families have access to experts across every stage of care. We also offer second opinions for families seeking additional guidance about diagnosis, treatment or long-term management.