Vesiscoureteral reflux(VUR) is the condition where urine flows backwards from the bladder into the ureters. It is typically diagnosed in young children, but can affect through adulthood. Though sometimes the condition corrects itself as the ureters grow, a side effect of VUR is the frequent development of urinary tract infections, which, when untreated, can lead to kidney damage.
There are two types of VUR, primary and secondary. Primary VUR is caused when there is an anatomical defect in the junction between the bladder and the ureters, which does not prevent backflow properly. The secondary VUR is due to the bladder filling up too much, either due to blockages or failure of the bladder muscle and nerves. Both are graded on a 1-5 level scale, with 5 being the most severe. The severity is graded on how far the backflow of urine flows up the ureters. Severe complications of kidney damage due to VUR include failure, scarring, and high blood pressure.
Existing treatments aim at the prevention of UTIs and kidney damage, with both surgical and managerial options. Managerial relies on antibiotic treatment of UTIs, which can lead to antibiotic resistance over time. Surgical repair is typically for higher grades of the condition and includes endoscopic, laparoscopic, and open techniques, requiring hospital stays. Typically children with severe grades of VUR have pre-existing conditions which make surgical risks higher, so there is a need for a less invasive procedure to correct high-grade VUR.