Pronounced: VEH-sih-co-you-reh-TER-al REE-flux
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the backward flow of urine. The urine flows from the bladder back into the kidney.
Urine normally flows from the kidneys. It passes through tubes called ureters. It then flows into the bladder. Each ureter connects to the bladder in a way that prevents urine from flowing back up the ureter. It is similar to a one-way valve. When this does not work properly, or if the ureters do not extend far enough into the bladder, urine may flow back up to the kidney. If the urine contains bacteria, the kidney may become infected. The backup can also put extra pressure on the kidney. This can cause kidney damage.
This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor. The sooner VUR is treated, the better the outcome. If you suspect you or your child has this condition, contact your doctor immediately.
This condition may be caused by:
The following factors increase your chance of developing VUR:
In most cases, VUR has no obvious symptoms or signs. It is often found after a kidney infection is diagnosed.
A prenatal ultrasound may show a swelling of the kidneys. This is called hydronephrosis . It may indicate VUR.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:
The goal for treatment of VUR is to prevent any permanent kidney damage. Treatment options include the following:
Most cases of VUR in children clear up on their own. The problems may clear as the ureters develop. Observation may include:
This procedure is a minimally invasive surgery. It is done to correct the reflux. A chemical is injected where the ureter inserts into the bladder. This will prevent urine from going back up the ureter. This procedure is done through a small tube called a cystoscope .
A surgery that repositions the ureters in the bladder.
RESOURCES:
American Urological Association
http://www.auanet.org
National Kidney Foundation
http://www.kidney.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Health Guide
http://www.bchealthguide.org
The Kidney Foundation of Canada: British Columbia Branch
http://www.kidney.bc.ca/
References:
Reflux nephropathy. Medline Plus Encyclopedia website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000459.htm . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Vesicoureteral reflux. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Vesicoureteral reflux. National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/vesicoureteralreflux/ . Accessed Accessed January 13, 2008..
Wein A, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, Elsevier; 2007.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.