Dilation of ureter and renal collecting system means that one way valve where ureter enters bladder is not working well as urine refluxes into ureter while voiding. From report description seems grandchild has stage III out of V reflux. If it continues it can result in thinning of renal cortex and eventual loss of renal function in that kidney. Some grow out of mild reflux, but some need surgery to relocate the ureter in bladder so valve functions right and stops reflux to preserve renal function. Pediatric urologist or renal doctor evaluation would be suggested.
Most welcome. Old Army doc here specialized in Nuclear Medicine and Radiology. Her parents are doing the right thing to preserve renal function. Best of lick and prayers!
First of all thank you for your service. In the case that surgery is recommended what would be your recommendation open, endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. She is still quite small approximately 10 lbs. so if recommended should surgery be put off until she grows while continuing the antibiotics.
I would have to defer to your surgeon. Need one that has lots of successful experience in that procedure. Techniques have changed through the years and I am unsure which is best approach. Antibiotic are important to stop bladder and potential renal infection. But increased pressure is part of the issue with reflux. Bladder has much thicker muscle wall to handle pressures that occur in bladder. Ureters and renal collecting systems have much thinner walls ad blow up like balloon. Increased pressure from incompetent valve at distal ureter can destroy renal cortex over time. When is the best time for surgery and what type of surgery to recommend are questions that the surgeon will be better prepared to answer.
Dilation of ureter and renal collecting system means that one way valve where ureter enters bladder is not working well as urine refluxes into ureter while voiding. From report description seems grandchild has stage III out of V reflux. If it continues it can result in thinning of renal cortex and eventual loss of renal function in that kidney. Some grow out of mild reflux, but some need surgery to relocate the ureter in bladder so valve functions right and stops reflux to preserve renal function. Pediatric urologist or renal doctor evaluation would be suggested.
Thank you for your reply. They did diagnose her at stage 4. She’s going to consult with a surgeon on Monday. Will know more then.
Most welcome. Old Army doc here specialized in Nuclear Medicine and Radiology. Her parents are doing the right thing to preserve renal function. Best of lick and prayers!
First of all thank you for your service. In the case that surgery is recommended what would be your recommendation open, endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. She is still quite small approximately 10 lbs. so if recommended should surgery be put off until she grows while continuing the antibiotics.
I would have to defer to your surgeon. Need one that has lots of successful experience in that procedure. Techniques have changed through the years and I am unsure which is best approach. Antibiotic are important to stop bladder and potential renal infection. But increased pressure is part of the issue with reflux. Bladder has much thicker muscle wall to handle pressures that occur in bladder. Ureters and renal collecting systems have much thinner walls ad blow up like balloon. Increased pressure from incompetent valve at distal ureter can destroy renal cortex over time. When is the best time for surgery and what type of surgery to recommend are questions that the surgeon will be better prepared to answer.
Was surgeon visit with granddaughter productive and provide all the answers that were needed?