Endoscopic STING / HIT Procedure (Deflux injection)
Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Injection to Correct Vesicoureteral Reflux
What is Endoscopic STING / HIT Procedure (Deflux injection)?
The STING (Subureteric Transurethral Injection) and HIT (Hydrodistension Implantation Technique) procedures inject a bulking agent (Deflux — dextranomer/hyaluronic acid) submucosally at the ureteric orifice via cystoscope, creating a mound that narrows the ureteric orifice and restores the anti-reflux mechanism. It is a day-case procedure under brief general anaesthesia with minimal discomfort, suitable as first-line surgical management for grades II–IV VUR before considering reimplantation. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of Day Care. Success rates reach 70–80% in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.
How the Procedure Works
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy performed under brief general anaesthesia.
Orifice Identification
Ureteric orifice identified; catheter or needle positioned submucosally at the target site.
Deflux Injection
Deflux (dextranomer/hyaluronic acid) injected creating a subureteral mound to restore the anti-reflux mechanism.
Mound Assessment
Mound configuration assessed — volcano appearance at HIT technique confirms correct placement.
Discharge & Follow-up
Cystoscope withdrawn; patient discharged same day; imaging follow-up at 3 months to confirm resolution.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Simplest surgical treatment for VUR — 15-minute day-case procedure.
- →No incision or catheter required — truly minimally invasive.
- →First-line surgical option before considering open reimplantation.
- →70–80% success rate for grades II–III VUR.
- →Can be repeated if first injection is partially successful.
- →Avoids anaesthetic risks and recovery of open surgery.
"Deflux injection is our first-line surgical option for VUR — a 15-minute day-case procedure with 75% success. If it works, the child avoids a major operation; if it doesn't, we move to reimplantation with confidence."
— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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