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Published on: October 12, 2017
Vesico-ureteral reflux in children
Insights
Vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) treatment in children shows reimplantation success rates of 86%. Grading VUR is crucial for effective treatment, with better outcomes in milder cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Nephrology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) is a significant concern in pediatric urinary tract infections.
- Renal scarring is a potential complication of untreated or inadequately treated VUR.
- Effective management strategies are essential to prevent long-term renal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment modalities for VUR in children.
- To assess the impact of VUR grading on treatment outcomes and renal scarring.
- To determine the long-term success rates of conservative management, urethral surgery, and ureteral reimplantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 126 children with 193 refluxing renal units treated between 1966-1974.
- Classification of VUR into mild, moderate, and severe grades.
- Comparison of outcomes for conservative treatment, urethral surgery, and Politano-Leadbetter ureteral reimplantation.
Main Results:
- Renal scarring rates were 5% (mild), 22% (moderate), and 28% (severe) VUR.
- Success rates for reflux elimination: 50% (conservative), 60% (urethral surgery), and 86% (reimplantation).
- 85% of upper urinary tracts normalized; 80% of children were symptom-free post-surgery, but 36% had persistent UTIs.
Conclusions:
- Ureteral reimplantation demonstrates the highest success rate for VUR elimination.
- VUR grading is a valuable prognostic indicator, guiding treatment decisions.
- While surgery improves symptoms and renal status, urinary tract infection persistence remains a challenge.
Abstract:
A total of 126 children with 193 refluxing renal units were treated for vesico-ureteral reflux during the period 1966-74. The grading of the cases into mild, moderate and severe reflux revealed renal scarring in 5, 22 and 28% of the three groups. Conservative treatment was used in 10% of the patients, surgery on the urethra in 25%, and reimplantation of the ureter by the Politano-Leadbetter technique in the last two-thirds of the patients. Reflux was eliminated in 50% of the renal units treated conservatively, in 60% of renal units treated with surgery on the urethra, and in 86% of units treated with reimplantation. The overall results seemed to be better in mild than in moderate or severe reflux. The dilatation of the upper urinary tract returned to or approached normal in 85%. Of the children, 80% were without symptoms postoperatively, whereas urinary-tract infection persisted in 36%. The value of the grading of reflux is emphasised, and indications for treatment are discussed.
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