How do you treat vesicoureteral reflux?
How is secondary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) treated?
- Surgery to remove a blockage or correct an abnormal bladder or ureter.
- Antibiotics to prevent or treat a UTI.
- Intermittent catheterization (draining the bladder of urine by inserting a thin tube, called a catheter, through the urethra to the bladder).
What is ureteral reflux?
Vesicoureteral (ves-ih-koe-yoo-REE-tur-ul) reflux is the abnormal flow of urine from your bladder back up the tubes (ureters) that connect your kidneys to your bladder. Normally, urine flows from your kidneys through the ureters down to your bladder.
How common is kidney reflux?
How common is vesicoureteral reflux? VUR is a condition that affects about 1 to 3 percent of all children. However, there are certain groups of children in whom VUR is much more common, including: children who have hydronephrosis or excessive fluid in the kidneys.
How is MCU done?
A Micturating Cysto-Urethrogram (or MCU) is a study using X-rays and x-ray dye to show the bladder and urethra while passing urine. The test is performed to find out if the urine goes from the bladder back up to the kidneys instead of out through the urethra.
Can VUR come back after surgery?
After surgery the patient is generally in the hospital for a few days. A catheter is often used to drain the bladder during this time. Several months after the operation an X-ray is done to make sure that the operation was successful. Once the reflux is corrected, it is not likely to come back.
How do you keep your urethra healthy?
Wearing loose, cotton clothing will help keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight-fitting pants and nylon underwear can trap moisture and help bacteria grow. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help prevent bladder problems as well as constipation.
What size kidney stone is too big to pass?
In some circumstances, your doctor might recommend immediate surgical removal without a waiting period. This will usually be because the stone is too big to pass naturally (larger than 6 mm) or is blocking urine flow. If the stone is blocking the flow of urine, it can lead to an infection or renal damage.