Vesicoureteral Reflux Surgery for Children in Delhi: Options and Outcomes
Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), also known as vesicoureteral reflux, is a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder into one or both ureters, and in some cases, back into the kidneys. Normally, urine flows in a single direction—from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder—supported by a valve-like mechanism at the junction of the ureter and bladder. When this mechanism fails, urine may reflux, causing repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and increasing the risk of kidney damage.
This condition is most often diagnosed in infants and young children. Depending on the severity, VUR is graded from Grade 1 (mildest) to Grade 5 (most severe). Many children may outgrow the condition as their urinary tract matures, but in more advanced cases, medical or surgical intervention may be necessary.
Types and Causes of Vesicoureteric Reflux:
VUR is classified into two categories:
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Primary VUR – The most common form, usually due to an underdeveloped ureterovesical junction. As the child grows, the urinary tract often matures, and the reflux may resolve naturally.
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Secondary VUR – Caused by conditions that obstruct bladder emptying, such as posterior urethral valves, neurogenic bladder, or bladder outlet obstruction. In these cases, urine builds up in the bladder and flows backward into the ureters.
Symptoms of Vesicoureteric Reflux:
Children with VUR may show signs such as:
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
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Painful or frequent urination
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Bedwetting and urinary retention
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Fever and irritability
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Loss of appetite
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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High blood pressure in severe cases
Untreated reflux can cause progressive kidney damage, making timely diagnosis and treatment critical.
Diagnosis of VUR:
Doctors use multiple diagnostic tools, including:
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Urinalysis to detect infections
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Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to check for abnormalities
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Micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG), a specialized X-ray with dye to trace urine flow
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Nuclear scans to assess kidney function and detect scarring
Treatment Options for Vesicoureteric Reflux
Management depends on the severity and recurrence of infections.
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Medical Management:
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Low-dose antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent urinary tract infections.
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Children are regularly monitored with urine tests and imaging.
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Lifestyle measures, such as maintaining hydration, avoiding constipation, and practicing good perineal hygiene, play a key role.
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Surgical Management:When medical therapy fails or in severe cases, surgery may be required. Options include:
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Open Surgery – Traditional repair of the ureterovesical junction.
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Laparoscopic/Robotic Surgery – Minimally invasive procedures to reconstruct or strengthen the valve mechanism.
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Endoscopic Surgery – Injection of a bulking agent to prevent urine backflow.
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Ureteric Reimplantation – The ureter is reattached at a new angle to restore the natural valve function.
Prognosis and Outlook:
Most children with VUR improve with age, and surgery—when required—has a success rate of over 95%. With early diagnosis, proper monitoring, and timely treatment, the long-term outlook for children is highly favorable, reducing risks of kidney damage and ensuring a healthy urinary system.


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