Vesicoureteral refl ux and lower urinary tract dysfunction

Abstract

Vesicoureteral refl ux as a consequence of congenital anomaly of vesicoureteral junction is a well-known entity. During the last decades, there is growing evidence of a close relationship between lower urinary tract dysfunction and vesicoureteral refl ux. The most common types of lower urinary tract dysfunctions associated with vesicoureteral refl ux are overactive detrusor and dysfunctional voiding. Many authors have shown association of refl ux with neurogenic and non-neurogenic dysfunctions of lower urinary tract. In this review article, we want to point out the importance of lower urinary tract dysfunction recognition in children with vesicoureteral refl ux, since the existence of bladder dysfunction is a negative prognostic factor for spontaneous resolution of vesicoureteral refl ux. Also, surgical treatment of vesicoureteral refl ux in a child with lower urinary tract dysfunction carries a high risk of failure. Early diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysfunction in each child with refl ux is important because of diff erent diagnostic and therapeutic approach.