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Deflux — Dextranomer / Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer

Deflux is a dextranomer microsphere + hyaluronic acid bulking agent used primarily for endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in pediatric urology.

Composition​

  • Dextranomer microspheres (80–250 μm) in a hyaluronic acid gel carrier
  • Fully biocompatible; dextranomer and hyaluronic acid are both naturally occurring compounds
  • Gel carrier is progressively absorbed; dextranomer particles persist at the injection site

Primary Use — VUR​

Endoscopic injection at the ureteral orifice to bulk the sub-ureteric tunnel and restore the anti-reflux mechanism. Described as the STING (Subureteric Transurethral Injection) and HIT (Hydrodistention Implantation Technique) procedures.

  • Success rates: ~70–80% for lower-grade reflux
  • Lower success at higher VUR grades
  • Comparable efficacy to Macroplastique for this indication[1]

Why It's Here​

Deflux is included in the biomaterials reference because reconstructive urologists occasionally encounter prior-Deflux patients presenting with ureteral calcifications on imaging (the persistent dextranomer mass can mimic calculi) or with persistent VUR requiring definitive open/robotic reimplantation.

References​

1. Moore K, Bolduc S. Prospective Study of Polydimethylsiloxane vs Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux. Journal of Urology. 2014;192(6):1794–1799. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2014.05.116

See also: Macroplastique.