Pyeloplasty

Prior to Procedure

Tests will need to be done before surgery. Tests include urinalysis, physical exam, EKG , and blood tests. Certain medications will need to be avoided, including many over-the-counter painkillers that may cause bleeding.

The bowels will need to be cleaned. To do this, your diet will be limited to clear liquids the night before and no food or drink on the morning of the surgery.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is given during pyeloplasty. You will be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain.

Description of the Procedure

Pyeloplasty may be conducted by open surgery or laparoscopic surgery .

During open surgery, an incision is made in your side. The surgeon reconstructs the renal pelvis to remove the blockage. The blocked section of the ureter is removed. The remaining healthy sections are reattached to the renal pelvic tissue.

The laparoscopic approach is similar except it is done through small key-hole incisions.

In some surgeries, tubes may be placed in the ureter to help draining. A tube can be easily removed in a doctor's office about a week after the surgery.

After Procedure

You will receive pain medication to ease discomfort after 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.

How Long Will It Take?

The surgery takes about 2-3 hours.

Will It Hurt?

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

Possible complications of pyeloplasty include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Hernia
• Damage to tissues or organs
• Persistent leakage of urine

Average Hospital Stay

Your stay at the hospital is about 2-3 days.

Postoperative Care

If you received a drain or catheter during surgery, you will have an appointment one week after surgery to have it removed. If no catheter was used, an appointment should be scheduled for four weeks after surgery.

You must continue to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.