The Effectiveness of Deflux® Treatment for Vesicoureteral Reflux Following Pediatric Renal Transplantation: A Single-Institution Challenging Experience

Purpose: To validate the effectiveness of Deflux® treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) following pediatric renal transplantation (RT), based on our single-institution experience. Method: A retrospective study was conducted using the medical records of pediatric patients who underwent Deflux® treatment for VUR after RT from April 2008 to March 2022. Results: Sixty-eight pediatric patients underwent RT. VUR was subsequently detected in 22 (32 %) of these patients. Seven of the 22 patients (32 %) underwent Deflux® treatment to avoid renal dysfunction due to urinary infection (UTI). The median age at the time of RT was 4 years (range:2–12). All 7 patients had urinary UTIs before Deflux® treatment. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before Deflux® treatment was 67 ml/min/1.73 m² (range:42–138 ml/min/1.73 m²). After Deflux® treatment, VUR was downgraded in three cases (43 %). Four patients (57 %) experienced postoperative UTI, two of who underwent a second Deflux® treatment, one underwent submuscular tunnel reconstruction, and the other one experienced UTI without VUR after 1st Deflux® treatment but did not reoccur. All seven patients continued prophylactic medication after Deflux® treatment, without any history of recurrent UTIs during the observation period after treatment (median 37 months [range 7–86 months]). Furthermore, the eGFRs did not significantly decrease after Deflux® treatment (median eGFR 58 ml/min/1.73 m² [range:33–99 ml/min/1.73 m²], p > 0.1). Conclusion: Deflux® treatment for VUR after RT is technically challenging because the new ureteral orifice is ventrally anastomosed at the bladder. We believe our results indicate the possibility of reducing the frequency of UTIs and contributing to preservation of the renal function after RT. Type of study: Retrospective Study. Level of evidence: Level III.