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Published on: April 14, 2026
Use of collagen for endoscopic correction in complicated vesicoureteral reflux
1Departments of Urology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. ed100622@edah.org.tw
Insights
Endoscopic subureteral injection of collagen (STING) is an effective treatment for complicated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children. This minimally invasive approach offers a safe alternative to antibiotics and surgery, with high success rates and no observed obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Endourology
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children often requires intervention beyond antibiotic prophylaxis or open surgery.
- Endoscopic treatments offer a less invasive alternative for managing VUR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic subureteral injections of collagen (STING) for treating complicated pediatric VUR.
- To assess STING as a primary treatment option for complex VUR cases.
Main Methods:
- A modified STING procedure was performed on 25 children (41 ureteral units) with various complex VUR conditions.
- Patients had conditions including Hutch's diverticulum, duplex systems, ureteroceles, and ectopic ureters, with VUR grades III-V.
- Follow-up included voiding cystourethrograms, and imaging (IV pyelography or sonography) to assess for obstruction.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment was achieved in 34 out of 41 refluxing units (83%).
- Regression or downgrading of VUR occurred in seven units.
- No urinary tract obstruction was detected post-procedure during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic correction using modified STING is a viable first-line treatment for complicated VUR in children.
- Individualized technique modification is crucial for optimizing outcomes in diverse VUR presentations.
Objective:
Endoscopic treatment of children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has become an alternative to long-term antibiotic prophylaxis and open surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency and safety of endoscopic subureteral injections of collagen (STING) as a treatment for complicated VUR in children.
Material And Methods:
Twenty-five patients (41 ureteral units) underwent a modified STING procedure for the correction of complicated VUR. Of these patients, five (nine refluxing units) had Hutch's diverticulum, 10 (17 refluxing units) had a duplex system, eight (10 refluxing units) had ureterocele, one (three refluxing units) had a unilateral triple ureter and one (two refluxing units) had a bilateral single ectopic ureter. Of these 41 ureteral units, 14 had grade III VUR, 17 grade IV and 10 grade V. Fourteen refluxing units (30%) received one session of STING, which was successful, and 27 (70%) needed a second session. A follow-up voiding cystourethrogram was performed 3 months after each session of STING.
Results:
The mean follow-up period was 24 months (range 3-36 months). Of these 41 refluxing units, 34 were treated successfully and regression or downgrading occurred in seven. Follow-up i.v. pyelography or sonography did not reveal any urinary tract obstruction.
Conclusions:
The results of this study showed that endoscopic correction of these complicated refluxing ureters may be the first choice of treatment, but the technique must be modified to suit each individual case.
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