Surgery
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with grade 4 and 5 reflux may necessitate surgical intervention. In such cases, a flap-valve is implanted by the surgeon to replace the faulty valves in the ureter. For severe instances where scarring or distortion has been caused by the reflux, the option of surgically removing the kidney and ureter is available. Open surgery, which involves making a small incision in the lower abdomen, boasts an impressive success rate of 95 to 97%. This procedure focuses on repairing the bladder and ureters to prevent reflux. An alternative option is laparoscopic surgery with robotic assistance, which requires three small incisions to repair the damage. This approach often leads to shorter recovery times for patients.
Prevention
Preventing Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) or urinary tract infections may not always be feasible, but certain lifestyle habits can enhance comfort and minimize the risk of infections or reflux. One effective measure is to maintain proper hydration by drinking plenty of fluids. This promotes urine dilution and helps in flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract. Additionally, using warm blankets or a hot water bottle can alleviate pressure and abdominal pain associated with VUR.
Parents of children with VUR should also focus on teaching them healthy toileting habits. These include emptying the bladder every two hours to prevent urine from stagnating in the urinary tract, and wiping from front to back after using the toilet to reduce the risk of bladder and bowel dysfunction.