vesicoureteral reflux /ves′ikōyo͝orē″tərəl/ [L, vesica + Gk, oureter, ureter; L, refluxus, backflow] , an abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the ureter, resulting from a congenital defect, obstruction of the outlet of the bladder, or edema or scarring secondary to infection of the lower urinary tract. Reflux increases the hydrostatic pressure in the ureters and kidneys and may cause permanent damage. The condition is characterized by abdominal or flank pain, enuresis, pyuria, hematuria, proteinuria, and bacteriuria accompanied by persistent or recurrent urinary tract infections. Diagnosis is made by cystoscopy and voiding cystourethrography. Obstruction of the ureter or defective implantation of the ureter in the bladder may be surgically corrected. Antibacterial medication, urinary tract antiseptics, and analgesia are usually prescribed for any infection that causes or results from this condition.
