Question
Will pediatric primary vesicoureteral reflux heal on its own?
Answer
The normal urinary bladder junction has a valve-like function, allowing urine to flow from the ureter into the bladder but not to flow back from the bladder into the ureter. When this valve-like function is damaged due to some reason, urine can reflux into the ureter, and in severe cases, reach the kidney. This phenomenon is called vesicoureteral reflux. Since primary vesicoureteral reflux can naturally disappear as many children grow and develop, and asymptomatic reflux without infection does not cause kidney damage, the treatment principle for primary vesicoureteral reflux is to control infection, protect kidney function, and prevent complications.