Hyaluronic Acid/Dextranome (Deflux®) is an injectable gel used to treat vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR is a condition in which urine backflows into the ureters and kidneys. Deflux is injected into the wall of the bladder where the ureter joins the bladder. The gel forms a bulge that acts like a valve, making it harder for urine to flow backwards.
Disclaimer: The brand name Deflux® is used for identification purposes only and does not imply any endorsement from Cleveland Clinic.
Deflux® (hyaluronic acid/dextranome) is a treatment option for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Deflux is an injectable gel that is made of two types of sugars and a filler substance. It adds bulk to the tissue where it’s injected.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Normally urine flows downward through the structures of the urinary tract – from the kidneys, down through the tube-like structures called the ureters, to the storage organ called the bladder and out of the body through the urethra.
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the backward flow – “reflux” – of urine from the bladder into the ureter(s) and, in some, cases, to one or both kidneys.
VUR mostly affects newborns, infants and young children ages two and under, but older children and adults (rarely) can also be affected.
VUR is diagnosed with a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). During this test, a catheter is inserted into the urethra and contrast dye is injected into the bladder until it's full. The test uses X-rays to get images of the bladder. Pictures of the bladder will be taken before and during the test, as well as during and after urination. This allows doctors to see if the urine flows backward into the ureters.
During the Deflux procedure, the gel-like mixture is injected into the wall of the bladder where the ureter joins the bladder. The gel adds bulk – in the form of a bulge – to that area of the bladder wall. This bulge acts like a valve that makes it harder for urine to flow backward toward the kidney. However, urine can still flow forward (as it normally should) into the bladder.
This is an outpatient procedure, but your child will be given general anesthesia to go to sleep. Your child’s urologist will use a special tube with a camera on its end, called a cystoscope, to see inside your child’s bladder. During the procedure, the cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and moved up into the bladder. The cystoscope helps guide where to inject the Deflux.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Your child may be a little drowsy right after the procedure. This will not last long, and your child will be able to go home that day. No incisions are needed.
The Deflux gel is slowly broken down by your child’s body. It’s replaced by your child’s own tissue as he or she develops and grows, keeping the ureter tunnel length intact.
Your child may need to repeat the VCUG to make sure this procedure was successful.
Most of the risks are those related to using a cystoscope. These may include:
The biggest risk of the Deflux procedure is that infections continue despite treatment. In these cases, a second or even third injection may be needed.
Another possible risk of using Deflux is that the ureter may become blocked due to the bulking effect. This happens in about one out of 33 children who have the procedure.
After the Deflux procedure, your child can go back to his or her normal activities the next day. Less healing time is needed when Deflux is used instead of ureteral reimplant surgery.
The Deflux gel itself is very safe and durable. It combines well with the body and slowly dissolves. It has been shown to cause little reaction in nearby tissues. It does not move from where it is injected to other places in the body.
There have been many studies of Deflux for the treatment of VUR. Each study reports a slightly different success rate with this treatment. In general, success rates of between 70% and 93% have been reported.
As a result of the cystoscope being inserted through the urethra, your child may be sore for a day or two after treatment. You might notice some changes in your child. He or she might not want to pee (urinate) or complain of a stinging or soreness when trying to pee.
Bladder spasms, which can feel like cramps or a strong urge to go to the bathroom, may occur. If the spasms are severe, your child might not be able to hold urine and might even wet the bed for a few days. You might also notice pink-tinged urine.
Your child might not want to drink fluids. These effects will go away in a few days. Try to get your child to drink as much fluid as he or she can.
Call your child’s urologist after the Deflux procedure if your child:
You and your child’s urologist should review all options for treating VUR, including no treatment (child may grow out of it), long-term antibiotic treatment, ureteral reimplant surgery and the Deflux procedure. The Deflux procedure may be an appropriate option depending on the cause of the VUR and the severity of the abnormality. Working together with your child’s urologist, you’ll review the risks and benefits of all treatment methods and the unique situation of VUR in your own child and decide on the best treatment approach.
Protecting your child’s kidneys is important. Kidney infections from ongoing VUR can damage or scar the kidneys, which causes kidney disease, high blood pressure and other health problems.
Children with any of the following medical conditions shouldn’t be treated with Deflux:
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/05/2021.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy