Management and Outcome of Vesicoureteral Reflux: A 14-Year Experience

Objectives: Vesicoureteral reflux is a common problem in young children. The increased risk of urinary tract infection in these patients is the main cause of renal parenchymal damage. The main managements are prophylactic antibiotics and different surgical interventions. In this study, we evaluate the results of surgical intervention in VUR patients. Methods: This is a cross sectional retrospective study of all our patients with primary reflux who have been managed surgically between 2002 and 2016. Results: Of 420 patients with VUR, 207 were managed surgically. Eighteen (8.7%) patients with bilateral reflux before intervention and persistent reflux (grade II or III) after intervention, progressed to end stage renal disease (ESRD). There was no significant relation between the grade of reflux, the serum level of the creatinine or frequency of positive urine culture, and progression to ESRD, while a significant relation existed between grade of post-operative VUR and post-operative positive urine culture with ESRD (P = 0.000). Conclusions: It seems that surgery cannot prevent renal damage in some cases of VUR. Close follow up after surgical intervention particularly in those with persistent reflux (of any grade) for prevention of renal damage is recommended.