Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Controversies in the Management of Vesicoureteral Reflux
Angela M Arlen1, Christopher S Cooper
1Departments of Urology and Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 3RCP, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1089, USA, angela-arlen@uiowa.edu.
Insights
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) management is debated, focusing on preventing kidney damage and infections. Individualized care considers patient factors for optimal treatment of this urinary tract condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Urology
Background:
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) involves abnormal urine flow from the bladder to the kidneys.
- Current diagnosis and management strategies for VUR are subjects of ongoing debate.
- Key goals include preventing febrile urinary tract infections (fUTI) and renal scarring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the controversies in VUR diagnosis and management.
- To outline current management options and their goals.
- To emphasize individualized treatment approaches for VUR.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnostic and management strategies for VUR.
- Analysis of current treatment options: observation, antibiotic prophylaxis, and surgical correction.
- Discussion of factors influencing individualized patient management.
Main Results:
- Differing opinions exist on which children require VUR evaluation and treatment.
- Management options range from observation to surgical intervention.
- Individualized care is crucial, considering patient age, health, and risk factors.
Conclusions:
- VUR management requires a personalized approach.
- Treatment decisions should balance preventing complications with minimizing intervention morbidity.
- Factors like renal function and parental preference are vital in VUR care.
Abstract:
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the abnormal retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract. Diagnosis and subsequent management of VUR have become increasingly controversial, with differing opinions over which children should be evaluated for reflux, and when detected, who should undergo treatment. Management goals include prevention of recurrent febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) and renal injury while minimizing the morbidity of treatment and follow-up. Management options include observation with or without continuous antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical correction via endoscopic, open or laparoscopic/robotic approaches. Management should be individualized and based on patient age, health, risk of subsequent renal injury, clinical course, renal function, and parental preference.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

