Refluxing Renal Units Research Articles

The correlation between ureteric orifice morphology and primary vesicoureteral reflux grade and the impact on the effectiveness of endoscopic reflux correction

Early diagnosis and treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are essential for preserving renal function. The study explored whether preoperative cystoscopic grading of refluxing ureteric orifices (UO) correlated with their shape in an institution with non-performance of hydrodistention of the UO in the diagnosis and grading of VUR. We also assessed the relationship between the UO shape and VUR grade with the effectiveness of endoscopic correction of primary VUR in children. This retrospective study included consecutive patients ≤15 years treated for primary VUR. The reflux grade was based on the results of preoperative voiding cystourethrography as mild, moderate, or severe. Fifty-one patients with 77 renal refluxing units (RRU) underwent endoscopic treatment with Deflux®. VUR was bilateral in 51% of patients. VUR was mild in 13%, moderate in 53%, and severe in 34% of cases. The patients with mild and moderate VUR had stadium-shaped UOs in 60% and 54% RRUs, respectively. Horseshoe-shaped UOs constituted 42% of UOs in patients with severe VUR, followed by 31% of golf-hole UOs. The reflux resolution rate after the first endoscopic injection was 84%. The preoperative VUR grade correlated with UOs shape (p<0.001). No significant correlation between UOs configuration and the outcome of endoscopic treatment was seen (p=0.452). The preoperative VUR grade negatively correlated with a favorable endoscopic treatment (p=0.043). Our data indicate ureteral orifice shapes are closely related to preoperative VUR grade. There was no correlation between the UO configuration and the success rate of endoscopic treatment of VUR, in contrast to the significant negative correlation between the VUR grade and the success rate of endoscopic treatment.

Endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children with two different bulking agents, high success and low complication rates: Comparison of Dexell and Vantris

Introduction and objectivesTo compare the results in terms of efficacy and safety of the endoscopic management for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in two different standardized primary VUR cohorts treated with Dexell and Vantris. Patients128 refluxing renal units (RRU) in 87 patients with primary VUR (64 females, 23 males). Patients with secondary VUR and severe bladder and bowel dysfunction were excluded. A total of 22 continent children with mild bladder-bowel dysfunction underwent bladder-bowel training before the implantation. All procedures were performed in the presence of sterile urine using a conventional subureteral transurethral injection technique. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of mean age, sex, RRU side, 99mTc-DMSA uptake, and reflux grade. The overall resolution rates based on the number of RRUs for up to three endoscopic treatments were 80% (56/70) in Dexell group and 94.8% (55/58) in Vantris group (P = .012). No postoperative recurrences or vesicoureteral junction obstructions were seen in any group. ConclusionsDexell and Vantris provided an effective and safe endoscopic VUR treatment in the early and mid-term follow up of children with primary VUR. The effectiveness of these substances, which can produce different mass effects with different particle sizes, in safe VUR resolution, needs further investigations.

Tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral primario en niños con dos materiales diferentes. Tasa de éxito alta y tasa de complicaciones baja: comparación entre Dexell y Vantris

Introduction and ObjectivesTo compare the results in terms of efficacy and safety of the endoscopic management for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in two different standardized primary VUR cohorts treated with Dexell and Vantris. Patients128 refluxing renal units (RRU) in 87 patients with primary VUR (64 females, 23 males). Patients with secondary VUR and severe bladder and bowel dysfunction were excluded. A total of 22 continent children with mild bladder-bowel dysfunction underwent bladder-bowel training before the implantation. All procedures were performed in the presence of sterile urine using a conventional subureteral transurethral injection technique. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of mean age, sex, RRU side, 99mTc-DMSA uptake, and reflux grade. The overall resolution rates based on the number of RRUs for up to three endoscopic treatments were 80% (56/70) in Dexell group and 94.8% (55/58) in Vantris group (p = 0.012). No postoperative recurrences or vesicoureteral junction obstructions were seen in any group. ConclusionsDexell and Vantris provided an effective and safe endoscopic VUR treatment in the early and mid-term follow up of children with primary VUR. The effectiveness of these substances, which can produce different mass effects with different particle sizes, in safe VUR resolution, needs further investigations.

Renal scarring is the most significant predictor of breakthrough febrile urinary tract infection in patients with simplex and duplex primary vesico-ureteral reflux

The association of high-grade vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) with renal dysplasia and/or scarring is well-established, and the combination of these factors has been shown to decrease the likelihood of VUR resolution. Other VUR parameters have similarly been shown to be associated with VUR non-resolution, including VUR grade and timing at cystography, associated urinary tract anatomical abnormalities, and bladder dysfunction. To establish independent risk factors that can predict symptomatic persistence of VUR. This was a single-centre study (2011-2017) including consecutive prospectively collected patients with primary VUR on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Patients with dilating VUR also underwent renography (dimercaptosuccinic acid [DMSA] or 99m-technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine [99mTc-MAG3]). All patients were initially managed medically with antibiotic prophylaxis. Primary outcome was febrile culture-positive breakthrough urinary tract infection (BT-UTI). Demographic parameters, as well as VUR grade, VUR timing at cystography, presence of ureteral anomaly, VUR index (VURx), and differential renal function (DRF) or scarring were analysed to determine independent predictors. A total of 61 patients (41 male, of whom 7 circumcised at presentation) were studied. VUR was diagnosed following investigation of prenatal hydronephrosis in 37 patients (62%) and following a febrile UTI in 22 (37%). Median [range] follow-up period was 38 [12-84]months. Data from a total of 77 refluxing renal units (RUs) were used for analysis. Analysis of VCUG data demonstrated that high VURx might be a potential significant predictor of breakthrough UTI (RR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7, p<0.05 vs low VURx) but this was not the case for individual VURx components. Renography data showed increased risk of breakthrough UTI in patients with renal scarring (relative risk (RR): 5.1, 95% confidence interval (CI: 2.0-10.7, p<0.0001 vs no renal scarring), but not in patients with reduced DRF. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that renal scarring was the only significant risk factor for breakthrough UTI. VUR patients with renal scarring were three times more likely to develop breakthrough UTI (odds ratio (OR): 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4-7.4, p<0.01). Multiple factors have been shown to be significant predictors of radiological VUR resolution. Univariate analysis of these factors suggests that only scarring on DMSA and VURx are significant predictors of symptomatic non-resolution. On multivariate analysis, scarring on DMSA was the only significant predictive variable. This information will be useful in targeting investigation and treatment in susceptible patients and when counselling families. Renal scarring is the most significant risk factor for breakthrough UTI in primary VUR patients and could be used to determine those at risk of symptomatic VUR persistence.

New bulking agent for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: Polymethylmethacrylate/dextranomer.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to report preliminary results of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children with a single injection of a new bulking agent, cross-linked dextran and polymethylmethacrylate mixture.Materials and MethodsWe performed a single-center, single surgeon, prospective, off-label study using polymethylmethacrylate/dextranomer to treat vesicoureteral reflux. All patients underwent endoscopic injection, followed by renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram at 3 months postoperatively to identify de novo or worsening hydronephrosis and vesicoureteral reflux correction (to Grade 0 or I).ResultsEighteen patients underwent injection of polymethylmethacrylate/dextranomer at our institution between April 2013 and December 2013. Ten were males and eight were females, with a median age of 58 months (range, 6 months to 5 years). Vesicoureteral reflux was unilateral in three patients and bilateral in 15, for a total of 33 renal refluxing units. Vesicoureteral reflux was Grade I in one renal refluxing unit, Grade II in 12, Grade III in 16, and Grade IV in four. Mean injected volume was 0.86 mL. Reflux was corrected in 23 renal refluxing units (69.7%) according to the 3-month voiding cystourethrogram. Complications included urinary retention in one patient. Mild pyelectasis was noted in one patient at 3 months, which spontaneously resolved 3 months later.ConclusionsOur short-term data show that polymethylmethacrylate/dextranomer injection can be used to treat vesicoureteral reflux with comparable efficacy to other substances currently used and a low rate of complications. Long-term follow-up is required to confirm the usefulness of this material in treating vesicoureteral reflux.

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.

Multicenter Survey of Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux Using Polyacrylate-Polyalcohol Bulking Copolymer (Vantris)

To evaluate an outcome of endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) using Vantris (Promedon, Cordoba, Argentina) in terms of its effectiveness and morbidity in a multicenter study. From 2009 to 2013, 611 patients (210 boys and 401 girls) with a mean age of 3.56 years (range, 1 month-18 years) were treated at 7 centers worldwide endoscopically with Vantris injection. VUR was unilateral in 413 and bilateral in 198 patients comprising 809 renal refluxing units (RRUs). Of these, primary VUR was present in 674 RRUs (83.3%) and 135 (16.7%) were complex cases. Reflux was grades I-V in 24 (2.96%), 123 (15.2%), 451 (55.8%), 158 (19.5%), and 53 (6.6%) RRUs respectively. The follow-up continued from 6 to 54 months. Reflux resolved in 759 RRUs (93.8%) after first Vantris injection, in 26 (3.1%) after second, and in 6 (0.7%) after third injection, respectively. VUR improved to grade I after 1 or 2 injections in 5 ureters (0.6%), which needed no further treatment. Thirteen ureters (1.6%) failed endoscopic correction and required ureteral reimplantation. Vesicoureteral junction obstruction requiring ureteral reimplantation developed in 6 ureters (0.7%) and in 4 (0.5%) required stent insertion. Twenty-three patients (3.8%) suffered afebrile urinary tract infection. Seven (1.2%) developed febrile urinary tract infection. None of the studied patients demonstrated VUR recurrence on voiding cystourethrography. The results of this multicenter survey confirm that endoscopic subureteral Vantris injection is a simple, safe, and effective outpatient procedure for treating all grades of VUR.

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 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.

Combination of calcium hydroxyapatite and autologous blood for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children

To report the results of endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with concomitant injection of pure calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) and autologous blood. Records of patients who underwent endoscopic correction of VUR using concomitant injection of CaHA and autologous blood from 2008 through 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding patients' demographics, preoperative VUR grades, febrile urinary tract infections, complications of procedure, postoperative VUR grades and cure rates were collected. Voiding cystourethrography was performed 3 months postoperatively. Total number of 23 children (9 girls and 14 boys) with 40 refluxing ureters were included. The mean age of children was 1.9 ± 0.97 (SD) years. Reflux grades were II to IV in 14, 11 and 15 renal refluxing units (RRUs), respectively. The mean follow-up period was 44 months. VUR was successfully treated in 87.5% of RRUs after three injections. Significant statistical difference was found between VUR grades before and after the first, second and third injections (p < 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant difference between primary reflux grade and treatment success (p = 0.031). Febrile UTI was resolved in 85% of patients (17 of 20 patients with febrile UTI) after endoscopic treatment which shows significant improvement (p < 0.001). The procedure was uneventful in all patients, and no obstruction was reported during the follow-up period. Concomitant injection of pure CaHA without any additives (hyaluronic acid, etc.) and autologous blood can be an effective, repeatable and cost-benefit approach for the management of children suffering VUR with a success rate of 87.5% after three injections.

Endoscopic correction of complex cases of vesicoureteral reflux utilizing Vantris as a new non-biodegradable tissue-augmenting substance

We aimed to evaluate prospectively the efficacy of Vantris as a new non-biodegradable tissue-augmenting substance in children with complex cases of VUR. Over the last 4 years, 37 children (28 female and 9 male) with a mean age of 5.8 ± 3.1 years (mean ± SD) underwent endoscopic correction of complex VUR. A total of 38 renal refluxing units (RRU) was treated as 5 had persistent reflux after open surgery, 16 had duplication, 4 had Hutch diverticulum, 6 had small poorly functioning kidneys (less than 20% of relative renal function) with grade V VUR, 2 had ureterocele after puncture, 3 had persistent stump reflux, 1 had prune belly syndrome, and 1 had urogenital sinus. VUR was Grade I in 2, Grade II in 9, Grade III in 11, Grade IV in 10, and Grade V in 6 RRU, respectively. The reflux was corrected in 34 (89.4%) RRU after a single injection, after second injection in 2 (5.3%) RRU. In 2 (5.3%) RRU, VUR downgraded to Grade I (1RRU) and Grade II (1RRU) and they were taken off antibiotic prophylaxis. VCUG was performed in 11 (73.3%) of 15 children who completed 1 year and in 3 (33.3%) of 9 who completed 3 years of follow up as a part of the routine protocol. None showed VUR recurrence. US demonstrated normal appearance of kidneys in all patients. Our data show that Vantris injection provides a high level of reflux resolution in complex cases of VUR.

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.

Endoscopic Correction of VUR Using Vantris as a New Non-biodegradable Tissue Augmenting Substance: Three Years of Prospective Follow-up

To evaluate the efficacy of Vantris in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after 3 years of prospective follow-up. Over the last 3 years, 109 children (72 girls and 37 boys) with a mean age of 6.2 ± 3.4 years (mean ± SD) underwent endoscopic correction of reflux using Vantris. VUR was unilateral in 53 and bilateral in 56 patients comprising 165 renal refluxing units (RRUs). Of these, primary VUR was present in 139 RRUs (84.2%) and 26 (15.8%) were complex cases. Ultrasound scan was performed 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years after injection, and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) was performed 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years after endoscopic correction. The reflux was corrected in 153 RRUs (92.7%) after a single injection and in 7 RRUs (4.2%) after a second injection. In 5 RRUs (3.1%), VUR downgraded to grade I (3 RRUs) and grade II (2 RRUs) and they were taken off antibiotic prophylaxis. Two patients (1.8%) had afebrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) and 2 patients (1.8%) developed febrile UTI. VCUG was performed in 32 of 71 children (39.1%) who completed 1 year and in 6 of 15 (40%) who completed 3 years of follow-up. None showed VUR recurrence. Ultrasound scan demonstrated normal appearance of kidneys in all but 2 patients (1.8%). One patient required stent insertion because of deterioration of hydronephrosis that resulted in complete resolution of obstruction and another patient required ureteral reimplantation. Our data show that Vantris injection provides a high level of reflux resolution with good clinical outcome during prospective follow-up.

The influence of ureteral orifice configuration on the success rate of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux

Background:To investigate the effect of polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (Vantris) injection for the correction of VUR in children according to ureteral orifice shape and VUR grade.Materials and Methods:Forty children (29 girls and 11 boys) with 61 renal refluxing units (RRU) and primary VUR underwent endoscopic correction of their reflux, using Vantris. Under general anesthesia, routine cystoscopy was performed and ureteral orifice configuration and dynamic hydro distention grade were determined. The injection technique was STING, HIT or a combination of them. Ultrasound scan was performed one and 3 months after injection and radionuclide cystography (RNC) was performed 3 months after the operation.Results:The mean volume of injected Vantris was 0.62 cc. Reflux was corrected in 52 (85.2%) of the 61 RRU after single injection and this equates reflux correction in 37 of the 40 patients. No significant correlation was observed between ureteral orifice shape and VUR correction rate.Conclusions:Our results showed that there was no correlation between the ureteral orifice configuration and the success rate of endoscopic surgery for VUR in short term.

Postoperative ureteral obstruction after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (Vantris®)

PurposeTo investigate the incidence and presentations of ureteral obstruction following periureteral injection of polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Materials and methodsFrom Jan 2010 to Dec 2012, 88 patients (28 male, 60 female) with 128 renal refluxing units (RRU), 131 ureters and a mean age of 6.7 ± 5.9 years (range: 4 months to 32 years) underwent endoscopic correction of their VUR, using PPC. Exclusion criteria were dysmorphic appearing distal ureter, extravesical position of the ureteral orifice, persistent urethral obstruction (e.g. after previous valve ablation) and severe bladder trabeculation, making ureteral orifice unidentifiable. Patients were followed up by ultrasound one month after the injection and then every three months. Cystography was performed 3 months post-operation. Mean follow-up time was 13.1 ± 6.8 months (range: 3–27 months). ResultsTwo patterns of obstruction were observed: early, during the first 3–4 days post-operation, in four patients (4 ureters; 3%) which was associated with transient hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) in 2 patients (2 ureters; 1.5%); and late-onset obstruction in 3 patients (4 ureters; 3%) which appeared 3 months to 1 year after surgery. It manifested itself by urinary tract infection and uremia in one patient with bilateral obstruction but was asymptomatic in the other two. Early obstruction was managed expectantly and resolved in 3–12 months; however, late-onset obstruction needed catheter placement or open ureteroneocystostomy. ConclusionsPatients who undergo endoscopic treatment for their VUR using PPC need long-term follow up until the safety of this substance is confirmed.

1159 99M TECHNETIUM DIMERCAPTO-SUCCINIC ACID RENAL SCINTIGRAPHY ABNORMALITIES FOLLOWING URINARY DIVERSION LONG TERM FOLLOW UP AFTER ORTHOTOPIC BLADDER SUBSTITUTION WITH EXTRAMURAL SEROUS LINED URETERAL REIMPLANTATION

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and associated characteristics of renal abnormalities utilizing 99m Technetium Dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy in patients who completed minimal 10 year follow up after extramural serous-lined ureteral reimplantation METHODS: Between January 1992 and June 1998, 311 consecutive patients underwent an ileal w neobladder orthotopic urinary diversion with extramural serous-lined uretero-ileal anastomosis. Utilizing our prospectively maintained database, patients who were living free of malignancy and completed 10 years of follow up were identified (113Patients). All patients were radiologically evaluated by an ultrasound scan, ascending pouchogram. Patients with evidence of pouchoureteric reflux were evaluated by MAG 3 Renogram and 99mTc-DMSA scan. RESULTS: Ascending pouchogram revealed pouchoureteric reflux in 27 patients [30 renal units (13.6%) ]. These patients were evaluated by 99mTc-DMSA scan [52 renal units] Reflux grade was IV or V, II or III and I in 5, 18 and 7 of the 30 refluxing renal units, respectively. 99mTc-DMSA renal scintigraphy revealed parenchymal abnormalities in 22 renal units [(17 of the 30 refluxing renal units (54.1%)]. We noted differential uptake less than 40% with and without cortical defects in 10 and 7 refluxing units. Ultrasound showed pyelonephritic changes in 7 of the 17 patients (41%) in whom 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy was abnormal. On multivariable analysis, risk factors significantly associated with 99mTc-DMSA scan renal parenchymal abnormalities (Grade III or more) were Diabetes, nephroithiasis, history of pyelonephritis and Grade III or more pouchoureteric reflux (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After minimal 10 year follow up, around 35 % of the renal units develop renal parenchymal abnormalities detected by 99mTc-DMSA. Pouchoureteic reflux is a significant predictor of renal scarring on the long term.

Downgrading of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux is a reliable option in the treatment of children with grade IV‒V reflux accompanied by breakthrough infections

PurposeTo evaluate incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) and natural history of downgraded vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children with high-grade VUR following endoscopic correction. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively studied 54 children (13 males and 41 females) with a mean age of 1.8 years who underwent endoscopic correction of Grade IV‒V VUR due to breakthrough infections while on antibiotic prophylaxis.Reflux was Grade IV in 40 (74%) and V in 14 (26%) patients comprising 95 renal refluxing units (RRU). Reflux was corrected in 72 (76%) RRU. 18 (34%) patients/23 (24%) RRU demonstrated downgrading of VUR. 21 of the 23 RRU showed Grade II and 2 Grade III VUR, and were taken off antibiotic prophylaxis and allocated to observation. Patients were followed for 2–22 years (median 14 years). ResultsTechnetium 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan demonstrated preoperative renal scarring in 21 (78%) of the 23 RRU with downgraded VUR. None of the children developed febrile UTI after surgery. 1 RRU showed renal function deterioration. 8 (44%) of the 18 patients underwent follow-up voiding cystourethrogram, and in 7 (88%) there was either spontaneous resolution of VUR or downgrade to Grade I VUR. ConclusionsDowngrading of VUR is a reasonable option in patients with high-grade VUR suffering from breakthrough infections while on antibiotic prophylaxis. It leads to the cessation of febrile UTIs, further spontaneous resolution of VUR and may potentially avoid renal damage.