Endoscopic Management of Complicated High-Grade Vesicoureteral Reflux in the First Year of Life
Abstract Purpose:The treatment of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in infants is controversial. Subureteric injection has been tried recently with its advantage of easy application and less invasiveness. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of endoscopic sub-ureteric injection to correct high-grade reflux in infants with documented indications for anti-reflux surgery.Materials and Methods:Hospital records of high-grade (grade 4-5) VUR patients who had undergone endoscopic sub-ureteric injection in the first year of life with documented breakthrough infections, between 2009-2016 were reviewed. Radiologic success was defined as complete resolution of reflux in VCUG obtained at least three months after the injection and clinical success was defined as the downgrading of reflux degree below three and absence of urinary infection.Results:A total of 23 patients with 34 high-grade refluxing units were included in the study. The mean age at first injection was 6.3±1.8 months (1-11 months). Radiologic success rate with initial injection was 61.7% and increased to 85.2% after repeated injections. The overall clinical success rate at first injection was 70.6% and 97.1% after repeated injections. Mean injected material volume was 0.34±0.27 (0.1-1) ml per ureter. Conclusion:Endoscopic treatment is a successful alternative in infants with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux suffering breakthrough infections.