Polyacrylate Polyalcohol Copolymer Research Articles

Administration of an Anal Bulking Agent With Polyacrylate-Polyalcohol Copolymer Particles Versus Endoanal Electrical Stimulation With Biofeedback for the Management of Mild and Moderate Anal Incontinence: A Randomized Prospective Study

There are few treatment options for mild-to-moderate anal incontinence with isolated internal anal sphincter defects or anal incontinence without muscle damage. Less-invasive techniques are generally favored. To compare the results between the use of an anal bulking agent with polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer particles and endoanal electrical stimulation with biofeedback in patients with mild or moderate anal incontinence. This was a prospective parallel-group, single-institution, randomized clinical trial. This study was conducted in an ambulatory setting at the Colorectal Physiology Service of the Hospital das Clinicas, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo. This study included patients who had anal incontinence for >6 months with isolated internal anal sphincter muscle damage or absence of anatomical defects in the anorectal sphincter complex. Anal bulking agent and endoanal electrical stimulation with biofeedback. The primary outcome measure was the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score, and the secondary outcome measures included quality of life, recommended procedures, and anorectal manometry. There were no significant between-group differences in mean age, sex, BMI, stool consistency, and Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (p = 0.20) at baseline. After 12 months, the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score was found to be significantly improved in patients treated with the bulking agent compared to those treated with electrical stimulation (mean, 6.2 vs 9.2; p = 0.002), though the anorectal manometry parameters did not change significantly. The mean anal Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score declined by 4.2 points in the bulking agent group compared to a decline of 0.8 in the electrical stimulation group (mean difference in decline: 3.4 points; 95% CI, 1.2-5.5). Quality-of life evaluation showed similar results between groups comparing baseline parameters with 12-month follow-up. The short follow-up period of 1 year, atypical method of biofeedback, and unmatched baseline in some of the quality-of-life scales between the 2 groups limited this study. In patients with mild or moderate anal incontinence, the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score significantly improved in the bulking agent with polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer group compared with the endoanal electrical stimulation with biofeedback group. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B938. ANTECEDENTES:Hasta la fecha, existen pocas opciones de tratamiento para la incontinencia anal de leve a moderada con defectos aislados del esfínter anal interno o la incontinencia anal sin daño muscular. Por lo general, se prefieren técnicas menos invasivas.OBJETIVO:El objetivo fue comparar los resultados entre el uso de un gel intra-anal con partículas de copolímero de poliacrilato-polialcohol y la estimulación eléctrica endoanal con ejercicios anales en pacientes con incontinencia anal leve o moderada.DISEÑO:Este fue un ensayo clínico aleatorio prospectivo de grupos paralelos, de una institución, realizado en cuatro etapas: base, procedimientos, postratamiento temprano y tardío.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el ambulatorio de Fisiología Colorrectal del Servicio de Coloproctología del Hospital das Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de São Paulo.PACIENTES:Paciente con incontinencia anal con más de 6 meses, con daño muscular aislado del esfínter anal interno o ausencia de defectos anatómicos en el esfínter anorrectal.INTERVENCIONES:Las intervenciones incluyeron la inyección del gel intra-anal y estimulación eléctrica endoanal con ejercicios anales.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Indice de incontinencia fecal (Cleveland Clinic Florida), Indice de calidad de vida, los procedimientos recomendados y la manometría anorrectal.RESULTADOS:No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a la edad media, el sexo, el índice de masa corporal, la consistencia de las heces y la puntuación de incontinencia fecal (p = 0,20) al inicio del estudio. Después de 12 meses, la puntuación de incontinencia fecal mejoró significativamente en los pacientes tratados con el el gel intra-anal (media = 6,2) en comparación con los tratados con estimulación eléctrica (media = 9,2; p = 0,002), aunque los parámetros de manometría anorrectal no mejoraron significativamente. La puntuación anal media de incontinencia fecal disminuyó 4,2 puntos en el grupo del Gel intra-anal en comparación con 0,8 en el grupo de estimulación eléctrica (diferencia media en la disminución: 3,4 puntos; IC del 95%: 1,2 a 5,5). La evaluación de la calidad de vida mostró resultados similares entre los grupos que compararon los parámetros iniciales con un seguimiento de 12 meses.LIMITACIONES:Breve período de seguimiento de un año, métodos diferentes de ejercicios anales y línea de base sin igual en algunas de las escalas de calidad de vida entre los dos grupos.CONCLUSIONES:En pacientes con incontinencia anal leve y moderada, la puntuación de incontinencia fecal mejoró significativamente en el grupo de gel intra-anal con copolímero de poliacrilato-polialcohol en comparación con la estimulación eléctrica endoanal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B938. (Traducción- Dr Leonardo Alfonso Bustamante-Lopez).

''Efficacy and Safety of Polyacrylate Polyalcohol Co-polymer (Vantris) Injection Material in the Endoscopic Treatment of VUR in Children: 3 Years of Prospective Follow Up

''Efficacy and Safety of Polyacrylate Polyalcohol Co-polymer (Vantris) Injection Material in the Endoscopic Treatment of VUR in Children: 3 Years of Prospective Follow Up

Comparative analysis of efficacy and safety of transurethral and vesicoscopic surgery of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children

Introduction. Research interest in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is determined by continued dissatisfaction with the treatment results, which do not exclude the development of renal failure and hypertension. The management tactics of such patients currently range from the dynamic follow-up to various surgical correction options, which determines the relevance of developing a personalized approach when choosing a surgical treatment technique. Purpose of the study. The study was aimed at a comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of transurethral administration of a polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and vesicoscopic transregional ureterovesical anastomosis (VUVA) according to Cohen. Materials and methods. The study is based on a retrospective analysis of the results of treatment of 214 patients with primary VUR, who underwent surgery from 2012 to 2018. The average age was 61.7 ± 47.9 months. Girls — 133 (62.1%), boys — 81 (37.6%). Indication for surgery in 150 (70%) children was recurrent urinary tract infection, in 64 (30%) — progressive reflux nephropathy. Bilateral process was observed in 92 (43%) patients, left-sided — in 69 (32%), right-sided — in 53 (25%). Patients were divided into two groups. Group I — 119 (55.6%) patients (179 renal units (RU)), who underwent endoscopic treatment (ET) using PPC. Group II — 95 (44.4%) children (127 RU) who underwent VUVA. Each of the groups was divided into subgroups, including RU with a low grade of (I-III) VUR and RU with a high grade of (IV-V) VUR. Complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Statistical analysis and processing of the obtained data were performed using Microsoft Excel and STATISTICA10 software. Results. When comparing the gender structure of the groups, differences were not detected (p >0.05). The average age in Group I was 53.5 ± 44.4 months, in Group II — 72.0 ± 50.4 months. (p 0.05). In Subgroup I (IV-V) after the first ET, reflux was eliminated in 76.3%, after the second ET the overall efficiency was 81.4%. In Subgroup II (IV-V deg), VUR was eliminated in 100% of cases (p 0.05). In Subgroup I (IV-V), a predominance of the III-grade complications (p <0.01) was revealed. Conclusion. A comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of surgical treatment of VUR using transurethral and vesicoscopic approaches revealed that ET is preferred for patients with low reflux grades (I-III). Vesicoscopic approach provides higher efficacy and safety in patients with high VUR grades (IV-V) compared with ET.

Incidence of UVJ obstruction during long-term follow-up after endoscopic correction of VUR utilizing polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC)

We present a long-term follow-up of patients who underwent VUR correction with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) injection with an emphasis on UVJ obstruction and urinary tract infection. During 2009–2012, 157 children (106 girls and 51 boys) with mean age of 4.8 ± 2.8 years (mean ± SD) underwent endoscopic correction of VUR using PPC. VUR was unilateral in 74 patients and bilateral in 83, comprising 240 renal reflux units (RRU). Of these, primary VUR was present in 197 RRU (82.1%) and 43 (17.9%) were complex cases. Median follow-up was 7 years (range 6–10 years). Average volume of PPC was 1.2 ml (range 0.6–1.8 ml) Reflux was corrected in 222 RRU (92.5%) after a single injection, and in 10 RRU (4.2%) after the second injection. In RRU 7 (2.9%), reflux downgraded to Grade I and II, and they were taken off antibiotic prophylaxis. One patient (0.4%) failed endoscopic correction and required ureteral reimplantation (UR). 11 (4.6%) RRU developed UVJ obstruction, of which 9 (3.8%) required UR. All patients developed obstruction between 1 and 2 years after injection. Nineteen (12.1%) patients developed low UTI, and 12 (7.6%) patients developed febrile UTI during follow-up. None of these patients demonstrated reflux recurrence. Our data indicate that endoscopic correction utilizing PPC does not increase the risk of obstruction during long-term follow-up.

Risk factors for obstructive complications after endoscopic correction of vesico-ureteral reflux using polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer

Use of polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) after endoscopic correction (EC) of vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) is highly effective but is associated with a higher risk of obstructive complications (OC) compared with other implants. We undertook a STROBE compliant retrospective investigation and studied the OC risk factors to increase the practical safety of PPC.Overall, 798 patients (464 [58.1%] girls and 334 [41.9%]) boys) from 5 hospitals in whom PPC was routinely used were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups. Group I consisted of 754 (94.5%) children (449 [59.5%] girls and 305 [40.5%] boys) without OC. Median age was 41 months [Q1: 18.0; Q3: 81.0]. Group II comprised 44 (5.5%) patients (29 [65.9%] boys and 15 [34.1%] girls) experiencing OC, and their median age was 21.5 months [Q1: 12.0; Q3: 43.0]. Clinical and renal ultrasound examinations were carried out 1 day and 1 month after EC, and then every 6 months after EC. At the follow-up examination approximately 6 months after EC, voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG) was performed. All patients with OC underwent diuretic renography.OC occurred in 44 (5.5%) of 798 children, in some cases as late as 60 months after endoscopic injection of the bulking agent PPC for correction of VUR. Univariate analysis revealed that younger age (P < .001), higher grade of VUR (P < .001), male gender (P < .001), second injection (P = .003), and EC injection using hydrodistension implantation technique (HIT; P < .001) represented significant risk factors. At multivariate analysis, only male gender (P = .0078), younger age (P = .0044), HIT technique (P < .0001), and second injection (P = .04) represented significant risk factors for the occurrence of OC.We identified young age, male gender, high reflux grade, HIT technique, and second endoscopic injections as factors associated with the risk of OC after EC of VUR using PPC as a bulking agent. Thus, patients who have undergone EC with PPC must be monitored sonographically for occurrence of OC for at least 60 months after the intervention.

Particulate Versus Non-Particulate Bulking Agents In The Treatment Of Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been treated surgically with the midurethral sling but in recent years, this option has come under scrutiny and the risk–benefit balance continues to be reviewed. The low-risk alternative for women with uncomplicated SUI is the bulking agent, which aims to achieve continence through coaptation of the urethra. Two classes of bulking agents can be identified: those made from solid microparticles in an absorbable liquid or gel carrier (particulate agents) and those comprising a homogenous gel (non-particulates) that resists absorption. Polydimethylsiloxane®, carbon-coated zirconium oxide®, calcium hydroxyapatite® and polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer® are currently marketed particulate agents. With the exception of calcium hydroxyapatite, the particles are non-degradable. Each agent achieves its long-term bulking effect through reactive changes around the persisting particles while the carrier volume is lost. Bulkamid® is a non-particulate agent with the bulking effect resulting from the volume of gel injected. The lasting network of fine fibers formed by the host tissue anchors the gel in situ. Foreign-body granulomas, erosion and migration/material extrusion and loss of bulk have been observed in connection with the particle-based products. Bulkamid may be mechanistically less liable to these events; however, there are minimal data directly comparing the two types of bulking agent. The question of durability is inevitable based on their differing modes of action.

Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux.

Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux.

Randomized clinical trial between polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) as bulking agents for endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of endoscopic treatment of primary VUR using polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC-Vantris®) or dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA-Deflux®). From October 2014 to April 2017, patients with primary VUR grade III to V that needed endoscopic treatment (ET) were eligible for this randomized clinical trial. We excluded toilet-trained patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were randomized and allocated into two groups: PPC group and Dx/HA group. After endoscopic treatment a voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed at 6 months; if VUR was still present a second ET was performed. Radiological success was considered if postoperative VUR grade was 0 and clinical success rate was considered if no more fUTI appeared during follow-up. Forty-six patients were eligible but 2 did not accept the trial. Forty-four patients with 73 refluxing ureters were included. PPC: 34 refluxing ureters; and Dx/HA: 39 refluxing ureters. Both groups were statistically homogeneous and comparable. Mean follow-up was 27.6months. Radiological success rate (82.2%) and clinical success rate (92.3%) were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The volume of bulking agent used in those successfully treated was greater in Dx/HA group (p < 0.05). Distal ureter was excise in all cases of ureteral reimplantation after PPC treatment; however, distal ureter was preserved in all ureters reimplanted after Dx/HA injection. PPC and Dx/HA had similar outcomes, but we must warn that ureteral reimplantation after endoscopic treatment with PPC is difficult because of the periureteral fibrosis.

Comparison of histopathological characteristics of polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid after injection beneath the bladder mucosa layer: a rabbit model

To compare short- and long-term local tissue reaction of polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (DHA) in rabbits. Eight healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In group I (control group), DHA was injected just beneath the mucosal layer of the bladder wall, while PPC was injected in group II. Subcutaneous injection of both bulking agents was also performed in nude mice. Histological evaluations with leukocyte common antibody (LCA), CD68, CD31, and CD34 were conducted on biopsies 1 and 6months postoperatively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT assay were also performed for these two bulking agents. SEM images revealed larger particle size of PPC. LCA and CD68 staining was significantly higher in group II as compared with group I in both short- and long-term follow-ups. However, in groups I and II, expression of CD31 (101±0.5 vs. 92±0.25, p>0.05) and CD34 (115±0.75 vs. 103±0.5, p>0.05) was not significantly different in long-term follow-up. Remarkably, severe fibrosis was observed in group II as compared to mild fibrosis in group I one month after injection. The results of in vivo application of these bulking agents in nude mice were in accordance with the results obtained from rabbit model. MTT assay revealed that cell proliferation was significantly higher in the presence of DHA as compared with PPC. Severe inflammation and fibrosis in PPC may be due to continued foreign body reaction, presence of alcohol polymers, or larger particle sizes.

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children using polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (Vantris): 5-years of prospective follow-up.

IntroductionThe endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children is a currently well accepted therapy in many pediatric urology centers. Polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC), namely Vantris®, is one of the tissue-augmenting substances used for endoscopic reflux therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results with PPC in children.Material and methodsFrom 2012 to 2016, 125 children (73 girls and 52 boys) aged 0.6–17.9 years (mean 4.9 ±3.58) were treated with PPC. VUR was unilateral in 64 and bilateral in 61 patients, comprising 197 renal refluxing units (RRUs) grades: II in 72, III in 50, IV in 33 and V in 42. Of these primary reflux was present in 132 RRUs and 65 were complex cases. Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) was done 3 months after procedure.ResultsFollow-up was completed in 89.6% of patients (112 children), and 89.8% of RRUs (177 out of 197). Reflux resolved in 86.4% of RRUs after single injection, in 99.4% after second and in 100% after the third. The only significant, but serious complication observed was late ureteral obstruction after PPC injection correcting high grade reflux, which required ureteral re-implantation. This complication was found in 9 out of 112 children (8%), and in 11 out of 177 RRUs (6.2%), 1.1 -2.9 years (mean 2 ±0.7) after the PPC injection. The longest follow-up reaches 4.5 years.ConclusionsOur data show that the PPC injection is an effective procedure for treating all grades of VUR with high success rate. However, because of the possibility of late ureteral obstruction, which requires ureteroneocystostomy, long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Comparison of results of endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children using two bulking substances: Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) versus polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (Vantris)

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children offers minimally invasive management and is widely used as a first-line procedure for all grades of reflux. However, there is debate about which tissue-augmenting substance is the best to use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two bulking substances, Deflux (Dx/HA) and Vantris (PPC), for endoscopic treatment of VUR in children. From 2009 to 2012, 65 children (50 girls and 15 boys) aged 1.45-9.9 years (mean 4.85±2.52) underwent endoscopic correction of VUR using Deflux. VUR was unilateral in 31 patients and bilateral in 34 patients, comprising 108 renal refluxing units (RRUs) grades: II in 52, III in 47, IV in 7, and V in 2. From 2012, 68 children (43 girls and 25 boys) aged 0.6-17.9 years (mean 4.89±3.46) were treated with Vantris. VUR was unilateral in 33 and bilateral in 35 patients, comprising 109 RRUs grades: II in 48, III in 29, IV in 13, and V in 19. Voiding cystourethrogram was done 3 months after procedure. All patients completed follow-up (summary Table). With Deflux, reflux resolved in almost 93% of RRUs after two procedures (in 63% after first injection), with Vantris, VUR was corrected in the same percentage after one procedure. The success rate with Deflux ranges between 68% and 92% (only 50-70% after single injection). The reported possibility of reflux recurrence after successful Deflux treatment, and the need for repeated injection led to introduction of the new substance Vantris. The results of a multi-centre survey published in 2014 showed that reflux is corrected in more than 90% of cases after single PPC injection. Our results with PPC confirm a high level of reflux resolution. Our data show that Vantris injection is a safe and effective procedure for treating all grades of VUR with good clinical outcome, and provides a higher and almost complete level of reflux resolution after first injection compared with Deflux.

Endoscopic treatment of grades IV and V vesicoureteral reflux with two bulking substances: Dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer versus polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer in children

PurposeWe aimed at evaluating the efficacy and complications of two bulking substances: dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer(Dx/Ha;Dexell®) versus polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer(PPC;Vantris®) in subureteric injection treatment of children with high grades (grades IV-V) vesicoureteral reflux(VUR). MethodsData of patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of high grade VUR (January 2009–August 2015) were retrospectively investigated. Patients with high grade VUR caused by posterior urethral valve, duplex system, paraureteral diverticula and neurogenic bladder were excluded. Classical subureteric injection method (STING) was used. Seventy-three children (45 girls and 28 boys) who had 88 refluxing renal units (RRUs) with grades IV-V VUR (n=64/n=24) underwent endoscopic treatment using Dx/Ha (n=63 RRUs) and PPC (n=25 RRUs). ResultsMean age of patients in Dx/Ha and PPC groups were 6 (3) and 6 (3.75) year (p=0.81), and volumes of these substances given were 1.3 (1) and 1 (0.5) mL (p=0.003), respectively.Overall, for the first endoscopic injection, success rate of grades IV-V VUR per RRU was 53.9% with Dx/Ha, compared to 80% in PPC-injected group, (p=0.024). Late ureterovesical junction obstruction developed only in one patient in PPC-injected group. No ureteral obstruction was observed in Dx/Ha-injected group. ConclusionsEndoscopic injection of PPC resulted in significantly higher success rate, compared to Dx/Ha in subureteric injection treatment of children with high grade VUR.However, the development of late ureterovesical junction obstruction should also be taken into account in PPC injection.

The comparison of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid and polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymers in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux

BackgroundDextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/Ha;Dexell®) and polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC;Vantris®) are the popular tissue-augmenting substances using for the endoscopic injections of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare Dx/Ha and PPC in terms of effectiveness, injection techniques and complications with special emphasis on vesicoureteral junction obstruction (VUJO). MethodsA total of 95 patients who underwent endoscopic VUR treatment between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1: Patients underwent endoscopic treatment with PPC (n=50 patients, 70 renal refluxing units) group 2: Patients underwent endoscopic treatment with Dx/Ha (n=45 patients, 74 renal refluxing units). ResultsThe overall resolution rates based on the number of renal refluxing units studied was 88.6% and 70.3% in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Resolution rates were significantly better in group 1 compared to group 2. VUJO requiring ureteral reimplantation or stent insertion developed in 7 patients in group 1. No VUJO was observed in group 2. VUJO in group 1 was markedly higher than that in group 2. ConclusionsEndoscopic treatment of VUR with PPC promises better resolution rates but higher VUJO rates compared to Dx/Ha.

504 Comparative study between the use of dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dexel) versus polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (Vantris) in the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children

504 Comparative study between the use of dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dexel) versus polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (Vantris) in the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children

Late ureteral obstruction after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer.

To investigate the incidence and presentation of ureteral obstruction after endoscopic injection of polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, and to analyze its possible causes, together with histopathologic assessment. The data of 189 patients who underwent endoscopic injection of PPC between May 2011 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. After the injection, patients were followed up by urinalysis and ultrasonography monthly for 3 months. Control voiding cystouretrography was performed in the third postoperative month. Patients were then followed up by ultrasound every 3 months. If a new-onset hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) was observed, control ultrasound was performed monthly to follow the change in the degree of HUN. If a moderate or severe HUN was observed, technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine or dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy was performed. For patients who needed open surgery, Cohen ureteroneocystostomy was performed. The distal 1 cm of the ureters was resected and examined histopathologically. One hundred eighty-nine patients with 268 refluxing ureters underwent endoscopic injection of PPC. Ureteral obstruction was observed in 3 ureters (1.1%), in 3 female patients of whom the degrees of reflux were grade 4, 5, and 5, respectively. Obstruction showed late onset in all 3 patients. Manifestations of obstruction included pain in 2 patients and recurrent febrile urinary tract infection with loss of function in scintigraphy in 1. All 3 patients underwent open ureteroneocystostomy. PPC may cause ureteral obstruction several months or even years after injection. Patients who undergo endoscopic treatment of PPC need long-term follow-up, despite reflux showing complete resolution.

The use of polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer hydrogel in the endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children

Background/purposeIt is still under discussion which is the best tissue augmenting substance for the endoscopic treatment of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We describe our preliminary experience (September 2009–November 2011) with polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer hydrogel (PPCH). MethodsThis is an observational, descriptive, prospective study which included 81 female and male patients (age 1–14 years) diagnosed with unilateral (n=45) and bilateral (n=36) primary VUR comprising a total of 117 refluxing renal units (RRU). Complex cases were excluded from the study. All patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated and those who met the inclusion criteria were treated endoscopically with a single subureteral injection of PPCH by a single surgeon. 11 patients (13.5%) had a pathological 99mTc-DMSA before treatment. The volume of injected product was measured in all cases. Results were considered successful if 6months postinjection, conventional voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) revealed VUR was cured (Grade 0). Follow-up ranged from 7 to 32months. ResultsThe overall resolution rate based on the number of RRUs studied was 92.3% (108/117). The mean injected volume of PPCH per patient was 0.6ml. One patient with obstructive anuria required vesicoureteral reimplantation. Other complications were persistent, self-limiting hematuria (n=2); lumbar pain (n=4) and urinary tract infection with normal VCUG (n=4). ConclusionsOur short term data show PPCH provides a high level of reflux resolution in selected patients. Long term follow-up is required.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in adults.

Aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer and polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients with and without chronic renal failure. Thirty two patients (12 female, 20 male) with a total of 50 renal units were treated for vesicoureteral reflux. There were 26 (81%) chronic renal failure patients. The success of treatment was evaluated by voiding cystouretrography at 3rd and 12th months after subureteric injection. The persistence of reflux was considered as failure. Patients were divided into two groups according to injected material. Age, sex, grade of reflux and treatment results were recorded and evaluated. Reflux was scored as grade 1 in seven (14%), grade 2 in 16 (32%), grade 3 in 21 (42%) and grade 4 in six (12%) renal units. There was not patient with grade 5 reflux. Fourteen renal units (28%) were treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (group 1) and 36 renal units (72%) were treated with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (group 2). The overall treatment success was achieved at 40 renal units (80%). The treatment was successful at 11 renal units (79%) in group 1 and 29 renal units (81%) in group 2 (p = 0.71). There was not statistically significant difference between two groups with patients with chronic renal failure in terms of treatment success (p = 1.00). The effectiveness of two bulking agents was similar in treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients and patients with chronic renal failure.

Endoscopic correction of primary VUR by using polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (Vantris) in young girls: 2-Year follow-up

ObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single endoscopic injection of Vantris in young girls affected by primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) at more than 2 years of prospective follow-up. Material and methodsOver the last 4 years, 73 girls with primary VUR of grades (G) I–IV underwent a single endoscopic injection of Vantris. The mean age was 8.48 (SD = 4.8) years. VUR was unilateral in 73 and bilateral in 13 patients, comprising 86 renal refluxing units (RRUs). Pre-operative evaluation consisted of: blood biochemistry, urine analysis and culture, ultrasound scan, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal isotope scan. Patients were followed using ultrasound scans at 1 month and every 3 months for the first year and then 2 years after injection. Direct radionuclide cystography with technetium pertechnetate was performed at 3 and 12 months after injection. VCUG was performed only in confirmed cases of failure and downgraded VUR at 3, 12, and 24 months after endoscopic correction. ResultsSixty-nine (95%), 61 (83.4%), and 52 (71%) patients completed 3, 12, and 24 months' follow-up respectively. VUR was corrected and downgraded to G I in 81% and 3.3% of RRUs at 3 months' follow-up. The corrected and downgraded RRUs at 12 and 24 months' follow-up were 77%, 10%, and 77%, 11% respectively. De novo contralateral G I VUR was demonstrated in 8.6% of normal ureters. Contralateral GI VUR with normal DMSA isotope renal scans was resolved in 71% of RRUs. Febrile urinary tract infection decreased to 4.1% in the patients. ConclusionAccording to our study, a single Vantris injection provides a high level of efficacy and safety in the treatment of primary G I–IV VUR in young girls, at 2 years' prospective follow-up.

Tissue Bulking Agent-Polyacrylate Polyalcohol Copolymer for Endoscopic Correction of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children: A Comparative Study

Objective: To evaluate the treatment outcome of single session endoscopic treatment using Polyacrylate Polyalcohol Copolymer (PPC) (Vantris ®) compared with conservative Continuous Antibiotic Prophylaxis (CAP) and open surgical treatment among children with Vesico-Ureteral Reflux (VUR). Methods: A retrospective cohort was undertaken in a single institution to evaluate children diagnosed with primary VUR grade 2-4 from 2006-2012 treated by a single urologist with different treatment modalities- conservative continuous antibiotic prophylaxis, endoscopic correction with PPC and open ureteral re-implantation with Cohen technique. Included patients for the study were only those who had 1-3 months and >1 year post-treatment follow- up study with Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG), kidney ultrasound, Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) renal scan, and urine culture. Comparative analysis was made to evaluate the rate of VUR resolution, reflux recurrence, renal scaring and VUR treatment related hospital stay. Results: Twenty-five children (12 girl and 13 boys) with a mean age of 3 ± 1.4 years were included. Twelve children had bilateral VUR and thirteen had unilateral VUR, a total of thirty-seven Refluxing Renal Units (RRU) were being analyzed (12 CAP, 11 endoscopic corrections and 14 open re-implantation surgery). On initial 3 months post-treatment follow-up, RRU VUR resolution observed for CAP, PPC and open surgery were 33% (4/12), 91% (10/11) and 100% (14/14), respectively. At >1 year post treatment follow-up, VUR resolution were noted in 50% (6/12) treated with CAP. For PPC treated group, 27% (3/11) had reflux recurrence or persistence and 14% (2/14) of open surgery group had ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis. Renal scarring detected among CAP, PPC and surgery group at >1 year follow-up were 42% (5/12), 18% (2/11) and 14% (2/14), respectively. VUR treatment related mean hospital day per year was highest among the CAP group (6.25 ± 2.6 days/year) and lowest among PPC group (3.27 ± 1.2 days/year). Conclusion: Endoscopic correction of VUR with PPC resulted to better treatment outcome when compared to CAP and was comparable to open surgical management with shorter treatment related hospital stay.

Early Results of Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux with Polyacrylate Polyalcohol Copolymer

Objective: To evaluate the early results of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children using polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 45 patients treated with subureteric injection of PPC in our clinic. The results of voiding cystouretrography performed on the 3rd postoperative month and the results of 1-year follow-up were evaluated. Results: A total of 45 patients (57 ureters) underwent injection of PPC. The mean age of the patients was 6.5 years. There were 6 (10.5%) grade 1, 7 (12.2%) grade 2, 26 (45.6%) grade 3, 16 (28%) grade 4, and 2 (3.5%) grade 5 VUR. There were 11 overactive bladders, 2 duplex collecting systems, and 4 posterior urethral valves among the patients. Voiding cystouretrography postoperatively at the 3rd month showed that VUR had disappeared in 82.5% (47/57) of the ureters, downgraded to grade 2 and 3 in 7% (4/57), persisted in 5.2% (3/57) and upgraded in 5.2% (3/57). The success rate at the end of the first year was 98.1%. The procedure was free of complications such as fever, dysuria, lumbar pain or obstruction in all patients. No patient showed VUR recurrence at the end of the first year. Conclusions: The short-term results of our patients suggested that PPC can be safely and successfully used in the endoscopic treatment of VUR in children. However, further prospective, controlled trials showing the long-term results of the patients are needed.