Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) Surgery Treatment in Mumbai

A urinary tract infection (UTI) in a child is common and often responds well to antibiotics. But when UTIs keep coming back, especially with fever, parents naturally begin to worry. One of the important conditions doctors look for in these situations is Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)—a condition where urine flows backwards from the bladder towards the kidneys instead of moving out of the body. Left untreated, repeated infections and backflow of urine can gradually damage the kidneys. Fortunately, early diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent long-term complications and help your child grow up with healthy kidneys.

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) affects approximately 1–2% of healthy children, but it is found in 30–50% of children who develop febrile urinary tract infections. The condition is more common in infants and young children and often runs in families. While mild reflux may improve naturally as a child grows, moderate to severe reflux may require surgery to protect kidney function and prevent permanent scarring.

If you are looking for expert Vesicoureteral Reflux Surgery Treatment in Mumbai or advanced VUR Treatment in Mumbai, Dr. Bhavesh Doshi, Consultant Pediatric Surgeon at Dhanvantari Hospital, provides comprehensive evaluation and modern surgical treatment tailored to every child's individual needs.

What Is Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)?

Normally, urine travels in one direction—from the kidneys, through the ureters, into the bladder, and finally out of the body during urination. A natural valve where the ureter enters the bladder prevents urine from flowing backwards.

In children with VUR, this valve does not work properly. As a result, urine refluxes from the bladder back into one or both ureters and sometimes reaches the kidneys.

This backward flow allows bacteria to travel more easily to the kidneys, increasing the risk of repeated kidney infections and, over time, kidney damage.

Why Does VUR Develop?

Most children are born with primary VUR, where the valve between the ureter and bladder has not developed normally before birth.

Less commonly, secondary VUR develops because of conditions that increase pressure inside the bladder, such as:

• Bladder outlet obstruction
• Neurogenic bladder
• Posterior urethral valves
• Severe bladder dysfunction
• Previous urinary tract surgery (rare)

Children with a family history of VUR are at a higher risk, and siblings may sometimes require screening.

Could Your Child Have Vesicoureteral Reflux?

Some children with VUR have no symptoms until they develop a urinary infection.

Common warning signs include:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Fever without an obvious source
• Burning during urination
• Frequent urination
• Poor weight gain in infants
• Bedwetting after previously staying dry
• Flank or abdominal pain
• Blood in the urine
• High blood pressure in severe longstanding cases

Because young children cannot always describe their symptoms, persistent fever with no obvious cause should never be ignored.

Can Mild VUR Improve Without Surgery?

One of the most common questions parents ask is:

"Does every child with VUR need an operation?"

The answer is no.

Many children with Grade I and Grade II reflux outgrow the condition as they grow older because the bladder and ureters continue to mature.

Doctors may recommend observation with:

• Regular follow-up
• Preventive low-dose antibiotics in selected children
• Ultrasound monitoring
• Prompt treatment of urinary infections

However, surgery becomes necessary when reflux continues to damage the kidneys or causes repeated infections despite appropriate medical treatment.

How Is VUR Diagnosed?

A detailed evaluation helps determine the severity of reflux and the most appropriate treatment.

Investigations may include:

Ultrasound

Used to assess kidney size, swelling, and any structural abnormalities.

Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

The VCUG is the gold standard investigation for diagnosing VUR. It shows whether urine flows backwards during urination and grades the severity of reflux.

DMSA Kidney Scan

This scan evaluates kidney function and identifies areas of permanent kidney scarring caused by repeated infections.

Urine and Blood Tests

These help detect active infections and assess kidney function.

When Is Surgery Recommended for VUR?

Surgery may be advised if your child has:

• Recurrent febrile urinary tract infections
• High-grade reflux (Grade IV or Grade V)
• Progressive kidney scarring
• Declining kidney function
• Persistent reflux despite years of observation
• Failure of preventive antibiotic treatment

The aim of surgery is to permanently stop urine from flowing backwards and protect the kidneys from further damage.

What Happens During VUR Surgery?

Depending on the child's condition, treatment may involve:

Ureteric Reimplantation Surgery

This is considered the gold standard for treating significant VUR. During surgery, the ureter is repositioned within the bladder wall to create a stronger valve mechanism that prevents urine from flowing backwards.

Endoscopic Injection Therapy

In selected children, a special bulking material may be injected near the ureteric opening using a cystoscope. This minimally invasive procedure helps improve the valve mechanism without an external incision.

The choice of procedure depends on the child's age, reflux grade, bladder function, and overall urinary tract anatomy.

Recovery After VUR Surgery

Children generally recover very well following treatment.

Most patients:

• Stay in the hospital for one to three days
• Resume feeding soon after surgery
• Experience mild discomfort that responds well to medication
• Return to school within one to two weeks
• Continue follow-up with ultrasound and urine tests

Most importantly, successful treatment significantly reduces the risk of future kidney infections and protects long-term kidney function.

Why Choose Dr. Bhavesh Doshi for Vesicoureteral Reflux Surgery Treatment in Mumbai?

Dr. Bhavesh Doshi is an experienced Pediatric Surgeon with expertise in pediatric urology, congenital urinary tract disorders, neonatal surgery, and minimally invasive pediatric procedures.

At Dhanvantari Hospital, children with Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) receive comprehensive care—from accurate diagnosis and advanced imaging to individualized treatment and long-term follow-up. The focus is not only on treating reflux but also on preventing kidney damage, preserving renal function, and ensuring healthy growth and development.