Endoscopic treatment of vesico-ureteral reflux using teflon injections

Abstract

We have reviewed 124 patients with vesicoureteral reflux who were treated by endoscopic injection of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) in four institutions. Of these patients 71 had bilateral reflux and 53 had unilateral reflux. In all, 195 ureters were treated. Reflux was primary in 94 cases (143 ureters) and secondary in 30 cases (52 ureters). Only 118 ureters (60.5%) showed no more reflux after a single injection. Seventy-seven ureters needed a second or third Teflon injection to control their reflux. In this group, reflux was cured in 46 ureters (23.6%) for a total cure rate by Teflon injection of 84.1%. Thirty-one ureters (15.9%) needed reimplantation (follow-up ranged from 1-4 years). In this study we assessed results in relation to the grade and type of reflux, the injected dose of Teflon and the technique used. The possible causes of failure and the reported complications are discussed.