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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
[Long-term results after endoscopic subureteral injection for VUR using dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer : a
J Seibold1, M Werther, K-D Sievert
1Klinik für Urologie, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland. joerg.seibold@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Insights
Endoscopic subureteral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) is an effective treatment for pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Long-term follow-up shows a low complication rate and improved quality of life for children with VUR.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Biomaterials in Medicine
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children is commonly treated with bulking agents.
- Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) is an option for endoscopic VUR correction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Deflux for treating pediatric VUR.
- To assess the impact of Deflux treatment on urinary tract infections (UTIs) and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 21 children (30 ureters) with VUR grades I-IV underwent outpatient endoscopic subureteral injection of Deflux.
- Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) at 6 weeks assessed VUR resolution.
- Long-term follow-up included monitoring for UTIs and parent questionnaires on quality of life.
Main Results:
- No intra- or postoperative complications were observed.
- 83% of ureters showed no VUR on VCUG at 6 weeks post-injection.
- After a median follow-up of 2.5 years, 90% of treated ureters in 17 children were free of VUR and UTIs, with excellent quality of life reported.
Conclusions:
- Subureteral injection of Deflux is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric VUR.
- The procedure offers a low complication rate and positive long-term outcomes, including reduced UTIs and improved quality of life.
Background:
A number of bulking agents have been used for the endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children. We present the long-term results of endoscopic use of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) for VUR grade I-IV in children.
Patients And Methods:
Between 2004 and 2008, 21 children underwent endoscopic subureteral injection of Deflux in 30 ureters as an outpatient procedure. Twelve children had a unilateral reflux (two duplicated systems) and nine had a bilateral reflux. The median age was 5 years (6 months to 14.9 years). Six weeks postoperatively a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) was performed. This study examined the disappearance of VUR and urinary tract infection (UTI) as well as the quality of life (parents' questionnaire) during long-term follow-up.
Results:
No intra- and postoperative complications were noticed. In 25 ureters (83%) VCUG showed no VUR 6 weeks postoperatively. In three children a second injection was done (two were successful). After a median follow-up of 2.5 years 27 ureters in 17 children (90%) had no UTI and VUR. The results of the questionnaire regarding quality of life were very good in the successfully treated children and the parents would choose the same treatment option again.
Conclusion:
Subureteral injection of Deflux for children with VUR is an effective treatment option for VUR with a low complication rate.
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