The incidence of urinary tract infection after open anti-reflux surgery for primary vesicoureteral reflux: Early and long-term follow up

ObjectivesControversy exists regarding the benefit of open anti-reflux surgery (OS) in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI). We, therefore, reviewed our short and long term data in children who have undergone OS.Methods153 children (131F, 22M; ages 2–16 yrs, mean 8 yrs) underwent OS from 1990 to 2008. Reasons for presentation were UTI-131; sibling survey-19; prenatal hydronephrosis-3. Major reasons for OS were: breakthrough UTI-74 (48%), high grade (IV or V)-49 (32%), poor compliance with prophylaxis-15 (10%). Of 153 pre-operative DMSA scans, 60 (39%) had defects. Post-operative studies were performed 6 months after surgery and 151 (99%) had negative voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG's). All underwent urine cultures 6 months post-op and prophylaxis was stopped. 56 (37%) were later contacted at an average 7 yrs post-op (range: 2–13 yrs).Results23 (15% of 153 followed short term, 40% of 56 followed long term)–20F, 3M–had non-febrile UTI's (nfUTI's) and one girl (0.6%) had a febrile UTI (fUTI). Of those who had nfUTI's 7 (30%) had high grade reflux and 16 (70%) had pre-op breakthrough UTI's. 11 (48%) had DMSA scans with defects. 2 had UTI's within 1 year after a negative VCUG and 21 had UTI's later (1–8 yrs). 1 girl had a fUTI 1 month after a negative VCUG.ConclusionsSuccessful OS effectively eliminates fUTI. Families should be counseled that nfUTI may occur many years after surgery, especially in girls with a history of breakthrough UTI and renal scarring.