Deflux is a gel that may be used to treat vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR is a common pediatric urology condition.
Normally, urine flows one way, down from the kidneys, through tubes called ureters, to the bladder. VUR is when urine flows from the bladder back into the ureters. VUR can lead to serious issues for children.
Often reflux will go away with time. The lower the grade of reflux, the more likely it is to go away. The goal of medical or non-surgical treatment is to prevent UTI and kidney damage while the child grows. Reflux improves in many children because the junction between the bladder and the ureter gets longer with age.
VUR is not contagious and affects roughly 10 percent of children. As a way to treat VUR, the use of Deflux gel may be an option. The gel is injected into the child's bladder near the opening of the ureter. This forms a bulge that helps block and prevent the urine from flowing in the wrong direction into the ureter.
General anesthesia will need to be given during this procedure and the health care provider will need to use a cystoscope when injecting the gel. It will take roughly 30 minutes and the child's bladder and urethra may be irritated for up to two days afterwards.
Other side effects are also associated with this treatment option for VUR and it is likely the child will need to be on antibiotics for a few months to prevent infections. Your provider will review tips with you for how to ensure your child's recovery is as smooth as possible.
Dr. Stacy Tanaka is a pediatric urologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.