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Updated: May 30, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Clinical evolution of vesicoureteral reflux following endoscopic puncture in children with duplex system ureteroceles
Lisieux E Jesus1, Walid A Farhat, Antonio C M Amarante
1Division of Urology, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Vesicoureteral reflux can occur after ureterocele puncture in pediatric duplex systems but often resolves spontaneously. Close surveillance is recommended initially for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Endourology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Pediatric duplex systems are prone to ureteroceles, which can cause complications.
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common comorbidity associated with ureteroceles.
- Endoscopic puncture is a minimally invasive approach for ureterocele treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical course of VUR following endoscopic ureterocele puncture in pediatric duplex systems.
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of VUR post-procedure.
- To evaluate the natural history and management outcomes of VUR after this intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients treated for duplex system ureteroceles between 1992 and 2007.
- Analysis of patient demographics, diagnostic findings, and pre- and post-operative VUR status.
- Specific focus on the resolution or persistence of VUR after endoscopic puncture.
Main Results:
- 60 patients analyzed; 67% had pre-puncture VUR.
- New-onset VUR occurred in 40% post-procedure, often ipsilateral or contralateral.
- Spontaneous VUR resolution or improvement was observed in 72% of cases.
- 42% required further surgical intervention for VUR.
Conclusions:
- VUR post-ureterocele puncture can arise independently of the procedure itself.
- A significant proportion of VUR cases demonstrate spontaneous resolution, supporting initial conservative management.
- Endoscopic puncture of ureterocele is a viable and attractive initial treatment option for pediatric duplex systems due to its simplicity and potential for VUR resolution.
Purpose:
We studied the clinical evolution of vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele in pediatric duplex systems.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed charts of children with duplex system ureteroceles treated between 1992 and 2007. We analyzed patient age, prenatal diagnosis, urinary tract infection at presentation, differential renal function and preoperative vesicoureteral reflux. The fate of associated vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele was specifically addressed.
Results:
We analyzed 60 patients with a mean age of 12 months, of whom 32 (52%) were diagnosed prenatally and 40 (66%) presented with a urinary tract infection. The majority of ureteroceles were ectopic, and pre-puncture vesicoureteral reflux was seen in 40 patients (67%). Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram was performed in 50 cases. New onset of vesicoureteral reflux occurred postoperatively in 24 patients (40%), mainly ipsilateral to the lower pole or contralaterally. Spontaneous vesicoureteral reflux resolution or improvement occurred in 16 of 22 patients (72%) observed after primary endoscopic puncture of ureterocele. Surgical intervention after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele was performed in 25 patients (42%), of whom 9 underwent more than 1 reparative procedure.
Conclusions:
Vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele may occur in the ipsilateral upper or lower poles, or in the contralateral renal segments. Therefore, the reflux is not necessarily related to the puncture itself. Vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele can resolve spontaneously in a significant number of patients. Therefore, initial management by close surveillance is warranted. Considering the simplicity of the procedure, our findings support that endoscopic puncture of ureterocele is an attractive alternative for the initial management of pediatric duplex system ureteroceles.
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