Vesicoureteral Reflux: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Vesicoureteral reflux is also known as vesicoureteric reflux.

In normal conditions, the urine flows down from the kidneys to the bladder through the tubes that connect the two. Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition wherein the urine flows from the bladder back up the tubes. It is usually known to occur in infants and children. It can lead to urinary tract infections and in some cases, kidney damage. Burning sensation while urinating, passing frequent and small amounts of urine, blood in the urine, fever, pain in abdomen and hesitancy in urinating in order to avoid the burning sensation are some signs you must look out for in your child to avoid this condition. If detected at an early stage, vesicoureteral reflux can be treated through medications. In case of late detections or severe condition, the patient may have to undergo surgery.

Vesicoureteral reflux is detected after physical exams and urine tests. Lower dose antibiotics will be prescribed to avoid urinary tract infections. In some cases, higher doses may be prescribed to ensure that the infection does not spread to the kidneys. If the severity of condition increases, surgeries may be performed. Open surgery is performed by creating an incision, under the effect of local anaesthesia, through which the deformity is fixed. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is similar to open surgery but involves smaller incisions and lesser recovery time. A lighted tube (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra during the endoscopic surgery. After this, a bulking agent is injected around the ureter to strengthen the valve’s ability to close properly.

If someone undergoes burning sensation while urinating, passes frequent and small amounts of urine, blood in the urine, fever, pain in abdomen and hesitancy in urinating in order to avoid the burning sensation; he/ she may be a victim of vesicoureteral reflux. Ensure that proper tests are undertaken to avoid serious infections.

Slight discomfort while urinating may not necessarily mean vesicoureteral reflux. Confirm your condition by going through tests.

Some antibiotics may result in headache, dizziness, fatigue or redness in skin. There is nothing to worry about. The effects wear off soon.

A catheter may have to be attached to drain the bladder of the patient for a few days. A warm blanket or towel can be placed on the patient’s abdomen in case of extreme pain. Follow all the instructions provided by your doctor.

After an open surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days where a catheter will be attached to drain the bladder. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery requires lesser number days in the hospital.

One session of consultation with your doctor may cost between ₹900 and ₹1300. The cost of treatment will depend upon the kind of surgery and the severity of your condition.

Open surgery is a long but lasting remedy to vesicoureteral reflux. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic surgery are quicker processes but may not be very effective in the long run.