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Anatomical and Functional Basis of Vesicoureteral Reflux

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Pediatric Surgery

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Abstract

Vesicoureteral reflux is due to abnormalities of the ureterovesical junction. Reflux is prevented by the presence of an adequate submucosal ureter within the bladder, which acts as a passive one-way flap valve. Primary vesicoureteral reflux is due to a short submucosal tunnel and enlarged ureteral orifice. The normal and abnormal anatomy and histological findings associated with VUR are reviewed. Bladder dysfunction is associated with VUR and is a negative predictor for spontaneous resolution and a risk factor for urinary tract infections. The normal development of bladder function is reviewed as well as the types of bladder dysfunction associated with VUR in infants and older children. The importance of recognition and treatment of bladder and bowel dysfunction is reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, Oregon Health and Science University, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Portland, OR, USA

    J. Christopher Austin & Steven J. Skoog

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  1. J. Christopher Austin
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  2. Steven J. Skoog
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Correspondence to J. Christopher Austin .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Beacon Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Prem Puri

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Austin, J.C., Skoog, S.J. (2022). Anatomical and Functional Basis of Vesicoureteral Reflux. In: Puri, P. (eds) Pediatric Surgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38482-0_177-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38482-0_177-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-38482-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-38482-0

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