A relationship between the
Teflon deposit, visible with ultrasound, and long-term success of subureteric
Teflon injection (
STING) treatment was investigated. The study included only those patients with
primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), in whom the reflux had disappeared and the
Teflon deposits were visible 6 weeks following
STING treatment. Cessation of VUR was proven by voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG) in 99 patients (143 ureters). Average follow-up time was 9 (4-12) years. Patients were divided into two groups: group I, deposits visible with ultrasound [deposit (+)], and group II, no visible deposits at the end of the follow-up period [deposit (-)]. Reflux recurrence, the occurrence of
urinary tract infection (UTI), and
pyelonephritis were investigated, and
technetium scintigraphy scans were examined. The deposit (+) group included 43 patients (65 ureters), and the deposit (-) group contained 56 patients (78 ureters). In the deposit (+) group there were no recurrences of VUR; however, 17 recurrences were found in the deposit (-) group (P < 0.05).
Dimercaptosuccinic acid (
DMSA) scintigraphy scans and occurrence of UTI showed significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). A close relationship was found between the disappearance of the
Teflon deposit and the recurrence of VUR. Disappearance of the
Teflon deposit and repeated
bacteriuria is a warning sign of the recurrence of VUR; therefore, VCUG might be warranted for these patients.