Results of the Gil Vernet procedure in preventing contralateral reflux in unilateral ureteric reflux

To evaluate whether contralateral meatal advancement based on the technique described by Gil Vernet decreases the risk of postoperative contralateral reflux, which may occur after a unilateral reimplantation.

From January 1986 to 1997, 321 reimplantations were performed for unilateral vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) using the Cohen procedure. In cases where the contralateral meatus was symmetrical or had a pathological appearance, preventive contralateral surgery with meatal advancement was performed.

Ureteric reimplantation was exclusively performed unilaterally in 254 patients and in 67 a contralateral meatal advancement was performed. There were 29 cases of contralateral reflux at the 4-month follow-up. In nine patients contralateral reimplantation was necessary for persistent symptomatic VUR, the reflux resolved spontaneously in 14 and a radiological examination was necessary in six. Reflux also appeared on the Gil Vernet side in only 6% of patients; there were no clinical symptoms and the outcome was favourable.

The advancement of the meatus using the Gil Vernet procedure is simple, with no surgical complications. We suggest that this technique constitutes a useful surgical alternative in the prevention of contralateral reflux.