Active surgical management of primary vesicoureteral reflux in adults

Of 27 adults with primary vesicoureteral reflux, 23 were treated surgically. These patients had suffered from chronic urinary-tract infections with poor response to conservative therapy. Urography revealed inflammatory changes in one or both kidneys in 18 patients, as well as other renal or ureteral deformities. Micturition cystography showed reflux reaching the renal pelvis and dilatation of the pelvis and ureter in 18 patients (28 ureters). An antireflux operation was performed on 32 ureters and in all cases was followed by disappearance of the reflux. No ureteral stricture developed postoperatively. During an observation period averaging more than three years only three patients had postoperative urinary-tract infections. These occurred when a short period of medication was terminated. On the basis of present experience we consider that antireflux surgery is indicated for all adults with vesicoureteral reflux and urinary-tract infections or progressive dilatation of the upper urinary tract.