Transvesicoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation for Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children: Does Prior Failed Endoscopic Injection Impact Outcome?

Purpose: Transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation (TVUR) for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a technically demanding operation. The technical difficulty is further increased by previous failed endoscopic injection, which causes intense fibrosis around the ureter. In this study, we compared primary TVUR with TVUR after previous failed endoscopic injection for VUR. Materials and Methods: The records of all children undergoing TVUR by a single surgeon over a 4-year period were analyzed. The children were divided into group 1 (primary TVUR, n  = 50) and group 2 (TVUR after previous failed endoscopic treatment of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid, n  = 7). Demographic, clinical, radiologic, operative and follow-up data were compared between the two groups. The results were analyzed by statistical software; Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test were used where appropriate, and P  < .05 was considered significant. Results: Both the groups were comparable with respect to age and mean VUR grade. The mean VUR grade was significantly higher in group 1 and mean operative time per ureter was significantly more for group 2 than group 1. The postoperative hospital stay, success of TVUR, and complications were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind. TVUR after previous failed endoscopic injection could be done safely with good success, but with longer operative time than primary TVUR even in expert hands. Hence, previous failed endoscopic injection is not a contraindication to TVUR.