Vesicoureteral Reflux
Vesicoureteral reflex is most frequently diagnosed in infancy and childhood. When a child has this condition, the mechanism
that prevents the back-flow of urine does not work, allowing urine to flow in both directions. A child who has vesicoureteral
reflux is at risk for developing recurrent kidney infections. Over time, these infections can cause damage and scarring to
the kidneys.
Treatment at Jefferson
Many children outgrow vesicoureteral reflux. In the meantime, Jefferson’s pediatric urologists can monitor the condition using
a variety of screening tests. In addition, children with this condition are generally kept on low-dose antibiotics to keep
the urine (and therefore the kidneys) free of infection.
Jefferson’s pediatric urologists, who are affiliates of the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, perform surgical corrections
on children who develop infections despite antibiotics, have high grades of reflux, and/or do not outgrow the condition. Surgical
options include:
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Deflux injection – The least invasive option, this “surgery” involves the injection of material (what kind? Antibiotics?) into the mucous membrane
of the bladder. Placed where the ureters enter the bladder, the material results in a small “bulge,” which makes it harder
for urine to flow backwards.
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Traditional surgery – Jefferson performs both intravesical (occurring inside the bladder) and extravesical (occurring outside the bladder) procedures,
depending upon each patient’s unique situation.
Additional information about Vesicoureteral reflux
