Deflux Treatment for Vesicoureteral Reflux: How It Works, Success Rates and Recovery
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is Deflux treatment?
Deflux treatment is a minimally invasive procedure in which a urologist injects a gel into the bladder wall near the ureter opening to stop urine from flowing back toward the kidneys (vesicoureteral reflux). It is done through a cystoscope under general anesthesia, usually takes under 30 minutes, and patients go home the same day. [1]
What the research says
The injection is quicker, but open surgery fixes reflux more often. In a two-center study of 179 children treated with the gel and 130 treated with ureteral reimplantation surgery, the injection took 21 minutes versus 140 minutes, with a 0-day versus 1-day hospital stay. Infections after treatment were more common with the injection (19.6% vs 3.8%), and a pooled analysis of 15 studies found surgery more likely to resolve reflux and less likely to need a repeat operation. (Kim et al., Journal of Urology, 2026) [2]
How the gel is placed affects results. A meta-analysis of 6 studies (1,527 ureters, all treated with this gel) found reflux resolved in 82.5% of ureters treated with the hydrodistension implantation technique (HIT) versus 71.4% with the subureteral injection technique (STING). (Yap et al., Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 2016) [3]
Reflux can appear on the other side, but it is usually mild. Across 7 studies of 1,479 children treated on one side only, 10% developed new reflux on the opposite side; 62% of these new cases were low grade (I–II). (Chandrasekharam & Babu, Journal of Pediatric Urology, 2026) [4]
Key takeaways
Deflux is a gel injected into the bladder wall that acts like a one-way valve, letting urine into the bladder but not back up the ureter. [1]
It treats vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), mainly in children, and is also used in adults. [1]
The procedure is outpatient, usually takes under 30 minutes, and recovery is short. [1]
Reported success rates range from 70% to 93%, and results are better for milder reflux. [1]
Mild stinging, spasms or pink urine for a day or two is common; fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) or no urine for 8–10 hours needs a call to the doctor. [1]
What is Deflux treatment for vesicoureteral reflux?
Deflux treatment is an injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid gel into the bladder wall, near the opening of the ureter, to stop urine from flowing backward. [1]
The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. In vesicoureteral reflux, urine flows the wrong way — from the bladder back up toward the kidneys.
The injected gel forms a small bulge under the ureter opening. That bulge works like a valve: urine can still drain into the bladder, but it can't flow back up. [1]
You may also hear the procedure called:
STING — subureteral transurethral injection
HIT — hydrodistension implantation technique
Deflux is used mainly for children with VUR. Adults with VUR can have it too, and it is sometimes used to treat urinary incontinence. [1]
How the gel works: the bulge under the ureter opening lets urine in, but not back up.
Why is vesicoureteral reflux treated with Deflux?
Vesicoureteral reflux is treated because urine flowing back toward the kidneys can cause frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and scarring of the kidneys. [1]
Many children outgrow VUR, but not all do. Deflux can stop the backflow while you and your child's care team wait to see whether the reflux goes away on its own. [1]
For a broader overview of the condition itself, the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has a clear patient guide to vesicoureteral reflux.
What is Deflux gel made of?
Deflux gel is made of two polysaccharides (sugar-based substances): dextranomer and hyaluronic acid. [1]
Ingredient | What it is | Where else it's found |
Dextranomer | A polysaccharide | Used in medicines, including wound-cleaning products |
Hyaluronic acid | A polysaccharide | Made naturally by your own body |
Your body slowly breaks down and absorbs the gel over time. As it does, your own tissue gradually takes the implant's place. [1]
Deflux at a glance
Feature | Details |
What it treats | Vesicoureteral reflux (urine backflow from bladder to kidneys) |
Who it's for | Mainly children; also adults |
Other names | STING, HIT |
Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
How it's done | Through a cystoscope (a thin lighted tube with a camera) |
Typical time | Less than 30 minutes |
Hospital stay | None — outpatient, home the same day |
Follow-up test | A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) may be done to confirm success |
Reported success | 70% to 93%, depending on the study |
How long it lasts | Can treat VUR for up to 25 years |
Source: [1]
How do you prepare for Deflux treatment?
Preparing for Deflux treatment mainly means following your care team's instructions on fasting and medicines, and arranging a ride home. [1]
Fasting: follow the eating and drinking instructions you're given before anesthesia.
Medicines: tell the provider about every medicine and supplement, including over-the-counter products.
Don't stop medicines on your own: only stop a medicine if your provider tells you to.
Transport: arrange for someone to drive you or your child home.
What happens during the Deflux procedure?
During the Deflux procedure, a urologist passes a cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder and injects the gel into the bladder wall near the ureter. [1]
Here is the process step by step: [1]
Anesthesia. General anesthesia is given, so your child (or you) sleeps through it.
Numbing. The urethra is numbed with a gel.
Cystoscope. A lubricated cystoscope — a lighted tube with a camera — is passed through the urethra into the bladder.
Filling. The bladder is filled with saline (salt water) so the urologist can see clearly.
Needle. A needle is passed through the cystoscope.
Injection. The gel is injected into the bladder wall near the ureter.
Finish. The needle and cystoscope are removed, and the bladder is drained.
The Deflux procedure in seven steps — usually finished in under 30 minutes.
The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. It's an outpatient procedure, so there's no hospital stay. [1]
Afterward, you or your child may feel drowsy. Plan to rest at home for the rest of the day. [1]
Your provider may order a follow-up voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to confirm the treatment worked. [1]
How successful is Deflux treatment?
Deflux treatment works in 70% to 93% of cases, depending on the study. [1]
Success depends partly on how severe the reflux is:
Reflux severity | How well Deflux tends to work |
Mild (lower-grade) VUR | Generally more effective |
Severe (higher-grade) VUR | Generally less effective |
Source: [1]
If symptoms continue after one treatment, another injection may be needed. VUR and UTIs can still persist even after treatment. [1]
When it works, a single Deflux implant can treat VUR for up to 25 years. [1]
What are the benefits and risks of Deflux treatment?
Deflux treatment offers a short recovery and a low risk of complications, but, like any procedure, it carries some risks. [1]
Benefits | Possible risks |
Short recovery time | Bruising and swelling |
Low risk of complications | Damage to the bladder |
Gel materials are compatible with the body and broken down safely | Blockage of the ureter |
Outpatient — no hospital stay | Reflux and UTIs may continue |
Source: [1]
A blocked ureter can stop urine from draining out of the kidney. Learn more about that in our guide to hydronephrosis.
What is recovery like after Deflux treatment?
Recovery after Deflux treatment is usually quick, with mild symptoms that settle within a day or two. [1]
In adults, soreness, pain when urinating or bladder spasms may last a day or two. After that, most normal activities can resume. [1]
In children, you may notice: [1]
Not wanting to pee or drink
Stinging when peeing
Trouble holding urine, or bed-wetting
Pink-tinged urine
These usually go away within a day or two. [1]
Two simple habits help recovery: [1]
Drink plenty of water.
Don't hold urine for more than 8 hours at a time.
What's normal after Deflux, and when to call the doctor.
When should you call the doctor after Deflux treatment?
Call the doctor after Deflux treatment if you or your child can't urinate for 8–10 hours, has a fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C), or has severe pain. [1]
Warning sign | Call the doctor if… |
Urination | Unable or refusing to urinate, or no urine for 8–10 hours |
Painful urination | Pain when peeing continues more than 2 days after the procedure |
Pain | Severe belly (abdominal), back or side pain; back or hip pain |
Fever | Above 101.5°F (38.6°C) |
Bladder spasms | Getting worse, or not settling within 24 hours |
Stomach | Frequent vomiting |
Source: [1]
Conclusion
Deflux treatment offers a short, outpatient way to stop urine backflow in vesicoureteral reflux. A small gel bulge under the ureter opening acts as a one-way valve, stopping the backflow that can lead to frequent UTIs and kidney scarring. [1]
It works best for milder reflux, success rates range from 70% to 93%, and some people need a second injection. [1] Recovery is usually a day or two of mild discomfort — but knowing the warning signs helps you act quickly if something isn't right.
Next step: Save this guide and bring it to your next urology appointment. Ask your child's urologist what grade of reflux they have, whether Deflux is a good fit, and whether a follow-up VCUG is planned. To understand the infections VUR can cause, read our guide to urinary tract infections.
FAQ
What is Deflux used for?
Deflux is used to treat vesicoureteral reflux, a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys. It is used mainly in children but also in adults, and sometimes for urinary incontinence. [1]
Is Deflux treatment painful?
Deflux is done under general anesthesia, so you or your child is asleep during the procedure. Afterward, soreness, stinging when peeing or bladder spasms may last a day or two. [1]
How long does the Deflux procedure take?
The Deflux procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. It is done as an outpatient procedure, so no hospital stay is needed. [1]
How successful is Deflux for vesicoureteral reflux?
Studies report Deflux success rates of 70% to 93%. It generally works better for mild, lower-grade reflux than for severe reflux. [1]
How long does a Deflux implant last?
A Deflux implant can treat vesicoureteral reflux for up to 25 years. The body slowly absorbs the gel, and your own tissue gradually replaces it. [1]
Can Deflux treatment fail?
Yes. Reflux and urinary tract infections can continue after Deflux, and some people need another injection if symptoms don't improve. [1]
What are the risks of Deflux?
Possible risks of Deflux include bruising and swelling, damage to the bladder, and blockage of the ureter. Overall, the risk of complications is low. [1]
When should I call the doctor after my child's Deflux procedure?
Call the doctor if your child can't or won't pee, hasn't peed for 8–10 hours, or has a fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C). Also call for severe belly, back or side pain, worsening spasms, or frequent vomiting. [1]
Will my child need anesthesia for Deflux?
Yes. Deflux is done under general anesthesia, so your child is asleep and does not feel the procedure. Most children go home the same day.
Will my child still need antibiotics after Deflux?
Some children keep taking preventive antibiotics until a follow-up test shows the reflux is fixed. Your child's doctor will tell you whether to continue them.
Related Reading
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG): Why It's Done, What to Expect and Reflux Grades explains the X-ray test used to diagnose urine reflux in children.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Deflux Implant: Treatment for VUR, Procedure & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated July 8, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16320-deflux-treatment-for-vesicoureteral-reflux
Kim JK, Miranda B, Rickard M, et al. Comparative analysis of ureteral reimplantation and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection between two centers with systematic review and meta-analysis. J Urol. 2026;216(3):420-432. PMID 42190252. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000005138
Yap TL, Chen Y, Nah SA, et al. STING versus HIT technique of endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pediatr Surg. 2016;51(12):2015-2020. PMID 27773360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.09.028
Chandrasekharam VVS, Babu R. New-onset contralateral vesicoureteral reflux after unilateral endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pediatr Urol. 2026;22(1):105645. PMID 41219040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2025.10.012
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with your own doctor or your child's urologist about whether Deflux is right for your situation. If you think there is a medical emergency, contact your doctor or local emergency services right away.
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