How is reflux nephropathy treated?

Surgery to place the ureter back into the bladder (ureteral reimplantation) can stop reflux nephropathy in some cases. More severe reflux may need reconstructive surgery. This type of surgery may reduce the number and severity of urinary tract infections. If needed, people will be treated for chronic kidney disease.

What is the treatment for patients that is diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux disease?

Doctors can use surgery to correct your child’s reflux and prevent urine from flowing back to the kidney. In certain cases, treatment may include the use of bulking injections. Doctors inject a small amount of gel-like liquid into the bladder wall near the opening of the ureter.

Is reflux nephropathy chronic kidney disease?

Reflux nephropathy is the second most common cause of chronic tubulointerstitial disease and the fourth common cause of ESRD in children. Patients present with signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease and hypertension.

Can reflux nephropathy be reversed?

Reflux nephropathy is kidney damage (nephropathy) due to urine flowing backward (reflux) from the bladder toward the kidneys; the latter is called vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Reflux nephropathy
Specialty Urology

How is VUR treated in adults?

Secondary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is treated by removing the blockage or improving how the bladder empties which is causing the reflux. Treatment may include: Surgery to remove a blockage or correct an abnormal bladder or ureter. Antibiotics to prevent or treat a UTI.

What causes reflux in the kidneys?

What causes reflux? In the human urinary tract there is a valve where the bladder joins the urine tube, or ureter, that comes from the kidney. Some children are born with a problem valve that does not close properly, so the urine refluxes back into the kidney.

Does reflux cause kidney damage?

Kidney damage is the primary concern with vesicoureteral reflux. The more severe the reflux, the more serious the complications are likely to be. Complications may include: Kidney (renal) scarring.

How serious is kidney reflux?

How is reflux nephropathy diagnosed?

HOW IS REFLUX NEPHROPATHY DIAGNOSED? Reflux nephropathy requires tests to be performed before a firm diagnosis can be made. The simplest is an ultrasound (sound wave) scan of the bladder and kidneys. To prove a diagnosis of reflux, a test called a micturating cystogram might be performed.

How is kidney reflux diagnosed?

The doctor looks at an X-ray of the urinary tract to find out the reflux grade. This shows how much urine is flowing back into the ureters and kidneys, and helps the doctor decide what type of care is best. In children with reflux and UTI, kidney damage may occur.

Why does kidney reflux happen?

Primary VUR is thought to be a genetic condition. Secondary VUR is when a blockage in the urinary tract obstructs the flow of pee and sends it back into the kidneys. Kids with this type often have reflux in both ureters. This can happen because of nerve damage, infection, or pressure on the ureter from another organ.

What causes kidney reflux?

What are the symptoms of kidney reflux?

Symptoms

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate.
  • A burning sensation when urinating.
  • The need to pass small amounts of urine frequently.
  • Cloudy urine.
  • Fever.
  • Pain in your side (flank) or abdomen.