 |
|
|
| h2u > Health Library |
Pyeloplasty is a surgical procedure in which the renal pelvis and its connection to the ureter are reconstructed. The renal pelvis is a funnel-like structure in the kidney, connected to the ureter (tubular structure where urine flows down to the bladder). - Kidneys
- Renal pelvis
- Ureter
Pyeloplasty must be performed if a blockage is found at the kidney's connection to the ureter, which passes urine to the bladder from the kidney. This blockage causes the kidney to balloon, which is typically detected by
ultrasound
or
CT scan
.
None. (Although there are no particular risk factors, prior procedures and some anatomic variations may affect the outcome of your surgery.)
Tests will need to be conducted prior to the surgery, including urinalysis, physical exam,
EKG
, and blood tests. Certain medications will need to be avoided prior to the surgery, including many over-the-counter painkillers that may cause bleeding.
In order to cleanse the bowels, your diet will be restricted to clear liquids the night before and no food or drink on the morning of the surgery. General anesthesia is administered during pyeloplasty. You will be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain.
Pyeloplasty may be conducted via open surgery or
laparoscopic surgery
.
During open surgery, an incision is made in your side, and the surgeon reconstructs the renal pelvis to remove the blockage. The blocked section of the ureter is removed, and the remaining healthy sections are reattached to the renal pelvic tissue. The laparoscopic approach is technically similar, done through small key-hole incisions. In some surgeries, tubes (including stents) may be placed in the ureter to facilitate draining. If a tube is used, it can be easily removed in a doctor's office about a week after the surgery. You will receive pain medication to ease discomfort following the surgery. You may also experience some discomfort while urinating for the first few times following surgery. It is also common to feel a frequent need to urinate. Minor pain following surgery is treated with prescription medication. Pain can be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication once released from the hospital. Possible complications of pyeloplasty include: - Bleeding
- Infection
- Hernia
- Damage to tissues or organs
- Persistent leakage of urine
If you received a drain or catheter during surgery, you will have a follow-up doctor's appointment one week after surgery to have it removed. If no catheter was used, a follow-up appointment should be scheduled for four weeks after surgery. You must continue to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Prognosis following pyeloplasty is good, with a success rate of over 95%.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- A temperature higher than 101°F
- Excessive bleeding
- Excessive irritability
- Difficulty urinating
- Vomiting
- Symptoms similar to what was experienced before the surgery
Last reviewed May 2007 by Miguel Antelo, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
