Watching your child go through repeated urinary tract infections is exhausting — for them and for you. If a doctor has mentioned “vesicoureteral reflux” as the underlying cause, you’re probably now facing a bigger decision: open surgery, or a much less invasive option called Deflux injection.
This guide explains exactly what Deflux is, how the procedure works, what it costs in India, its success rate, and how to know if it’s the right choice before your child’s next follow-up appointment.
What Is Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)?
Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition where urine flows backward — from the bladder up into the ureters, and sometimes all the way to the kidneys — instead of draining out normally. This backward flow can carry bacteria upward, leading to repeated urinary tract infections and, if left untreated, kidney scarring or long-term kidney damage. VUR is most commonly diagnosed in infants and young children, often after a UTI prompts imaging tests, though it can occur in adults as well.
What Is Deflux and How Does It Treat VUR?
Deflux (dextranomer/hyaluronic acid) is an injectable gel that a urologist places at the point where the ureter enters the bladder, during a minimally invasive procedure called cystoscopy. The gel creates a small bulge in the tissue that acts like a one-way valve — urine can still flow normally into the bladder, but it can no longer flow backward into the ureter.
You may also hear this procedure referred to by its technical names:
STING (subureteral transurethral injection) — a single injection beneath the ureteral opening
HIT (hydrodistension implantation technique) — injection placed within the ureteral tunnel for a more secure bulking effect
Double HIT — two injections used to reinforce the implant and improve outcomes in more complex cases
Deflux is made of two components already well-tolerated by the human body: dextranomer, a polysaccharide used in various pharmaceutical products, and hyaluronic acid, a substance your body produces naturally. Over time, your own tissue gradually replaces the implant without it losing effectiveness.
Who Is a Candidate for Deflux Treatment?
Deflux is typically recommended for:
Children with Grade II–IV vesicoureteral reflux
Children with recurrent UTIs despite antibiotic prophylaxis
Patients who haven’t responded adequately to long-term antibiotic management
Families who prefer a minimally invasive alternative to open reimplantation surgery
Deflux tends to work best for low-to-moderate grade reflux (Grade II–III). In severe, high-grade reflux (Grade IV–V), especially when it affects both ureters, success rates drop and open surgical correction may be the more reliable option — your urologist will guide this decision based on imaging and reflux grade.
What Happens During the Deflux Procedure?
The procedure is done under general or minor anesthesia and typically takes under 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
The child (or adult patient) is given anesthesia, and the urethra is numbed with a local gel.
A thin, lighted cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder.
The bladder is filled with saline for clear visibility.
A fine needle is passed through the cystoscope, and the Deflux gel is injected at the ureteral opening.
The needle and cystoscope are removed, and the bladder fluid is drained.
It’s a same-day, outpatient procedure — no overnight hospital stay is needed in most cases, and the patient goes home a few hours later, often a little drowsy from the anesthesia.
Deflux Injection Success Rate
Clinical outcomes for Deflux vary depending on reflux severity, but published data offers useful benchmarks. Indian urology studies report reflux resolution in roughly two-thirds of treated ureters, with reflux downgraded (improved but not fully resolved) in a further small percentage — figures broadly consistent with international success rates that generally range between 70–93% for appropriately selected, lower-grade cases. Deflux is notably more effective for mild-to-moderate VUR than for severe, high-grade cases, which is why accurate grading through imaging before treatment matters so much.
Deflux Injection Cost in India
Cost is often the deciding factor for many families comparing Deflux against long-term antibiotic management or surgery. In India, a single vial of Deflux costs approximately ₹22,000–₹36,000, and higher-grade reflux frequently requires two vials to achieve an adequate injection volume — bringing the gel cost alone to roughly ₹44,000–₹70,000. This is before accounting for the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, day-care hospital admission, and any follow-up imaging, so total costs vary meaningfully by hospital and city. Your urologist can give you a precise estimate once your child’s reflux grade and required injection volume are confirmed.
Benefits of Deflux Compared to Open Surgery
Significantly shorter recovery — most patients resume normal activity within a day or two
Outpatient procedure with no major incisions
Low complication rate compared to open reimplantation surgery
Biocompatible materials that your body safely absorbs and replaces with its own tissue over time
Long-lasting effect — a successful Deflux implant can maintain reflux correction for many years
Risks and What Recovery Looks Like
Deflux is considered a safe, minimally invasive procedure, but as with any procedure, there are risks to be aware of:
Mild bruising or swelling at the injection site
Rare instances of bladder or ureter irritation
A small chance that VUR or UTIs persist, requiring a repeat injection
After the procedure, mild soreness, a burning sensation while urinating, or bladder spasms for a day or two are common and expected. Encouraging plenty of fluids and monitoring urination is usually all that’s needed. Most children are back to their normal routine within 48 hours.
Contact your urologist promptly if your child:
Refuses to urinate or hasn’t urinated in 8–10 hours
Has pain while urinating that continues beyond two days
Develops a fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
Has bladder spasms that don’t ease within 24 hours
Experiences severe abdominal, back, or side pain
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Deflux implant last? A successful Deflux implant can correct reflux for many years, with some studies reporting effectiveness lasting decades, since your own tissue gradually replaces the gel without compromising the valve effect.
Is Deflux only used in children? No. While Deflux is most commonly used to treat VUR in children, urologists also use it to treat reflux and certain cases of urinary incontinence in adults.
Will my child need a follow-up test after the procedure? Yes, most urologists recommend a follow-up voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or ultrasound a few months after the injection to confirm the reflux has resolved.
Is Deflux a permanent cure? Deflux has strong success rates in low-to-moderate grade reflux, but outcomes vary by individual case, and some patients may need a repeat injection or, in severe cases, surgical correction if reflux persists.
Considering Deflux for Your Child? Get an Expert Opinion First
Choosing between antibiotics, Deflux injection, and open surgery depends heavily on your child’s specific reflux grade, UTI history, and kidney imaging — not a one-size-fits-all answer. Getting the grading and candidacy assessment right the first time avoids unnecessary procedures and gets your child real relief faster.
Dr. Venkatesh Kumar, senior consultant urologist and andrologist in Noida and Greater Noida West, brings over 20 years of experience in urology, including minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures, robotic surgery, and pediatric urological conditions. He offers thorough, family-friendly consultations to help you understand the best path forward for your child.
Dealing with recurrent UTIs or a VUR diagnosis in your child? Book a consultation with Dr. Venkatesh Kumar today.
📍 Shop No. 11, UGF, Truecare Clinic, Saviour GreenArch Market, above Apollo Pharmacy, near Ek Murti Chowk, Tech Zone IV, Amrapali Dream Valley, Noida, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201307 📞 094394 38400
