The incidence of urinary tract infection after open anti-reflux surgery for primary vesicoureteral reflux: Early and long-term follow up

Abstract

ObjectivesControversy exists regarding the benefit of open anti-reflux surgery (OS) in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI). We, therefore, reviewed our short and long term data in children who have undergone OS. Methods153 children (131F, 22M; ages 2–16 yrs, mean 8 yrs) underwent OS from 1990 to 2008. Reasons for presentation were UTI-131; sibling survey-19; prenatal hydronephrosis-3. Major reasons for OS were: breakthrough UTI-74 (48%), high grade (IV or V)-49 (32%), poor compliance with prophylaxis-15 (10%). Of 153 pre-operative DMSA scans, 60 (39%) had defects. Post-operative studies were performed 6 months after surgery and 151 (99%) had negative voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG's). All underwent urine cultures 6 months post-op and prophylaxis was stopped. 56 (37%) were later contacted at an average 7 yrs post-op (range: 2–13 yrs). Results23 (15% of 153 followed short term, 40% of 56 followed long term)–20F, 3M–had non-febrile UTI's (nfUTI's) and one girl (0.6%) had a febrile UTI (fUTI). Of those who had nfUTI's 7 (30%) had high grade reflux and 16 (70%) had pre-op breakthrough UTI's. 11 (48%) had DMSA scans with defects. 2 had UTI's within 1 year after a negative VCUG and 21 had UTI's later (1–8 yrs). 1 girl had a fUTI 1 month after a negative VCUG. ConclusionsSuccessful OS effectively eliminates fUTI. Families should be counseled that nfUTI may occur many years after surgery, especially in girls with a history of breakthrough UTI and renal scarring.