Vesicoureteral reflux is the backwash of urine from the bladder to the kidneys. If left untreated, reflux can lead to kidney infections, which can damage the kidneys.

Treatment may include daily antibiotics to prevent infections, behavioral modification, surgery or less invasive endoscopic treatment.

At UCSF's Vesicoureteral Reflux Center, we collaborate with families to create an effective treatment plan that's respectful of your concerns and wishes. We work with families' fears of prolonged antibiotics, procedures, tests and surgery.

The test used to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux — the voiding cystourethrogram, or VCUG — concerns many parents because it requires uretheral catheterization. Our three experienced nurse practitioners perform the VCUG test and can review the results immediately after the test, a service that's not available at most institutions. The nurse practitioner will work with each parent and child to make the exam quick and easy.