![Surgery would be recommended only in the most severe cases.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/surgery-prep.jpg?output-quality=75)
Pyeloplasty is a surgery to relieve the obstruction to the flow of urine from the kidney to the long tube connecting the kidney to the bladder (ureter). This obstruction is called ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Surgery would be recommended only in the most severe cases. The goal of the surgery is to reduce swelling and pressure in the kidney by establishing a free flow of the urine. The most common surgical procedure used for the treatment of the swelling of the kidney due to the collection of urine (hydronephrosis) is pyeloplasty. Pyeloplasty repairs the block at the junction of the ureter and the pelvis of the kidney (UPJ blockage). It removes the narrowed or obstructed part of the ureter and reconnects the healthy portion to the kidney’s drainage system. The physician may perform pyeloplasty in:
- Traditional or open incision method
- Robot-assisted pyeloplasty
- Laparoscopic method
Hydronephrosis involves the collection of urine in the kidney due to incomplete emptying of the urinary tract, resulting in swelling and obstruction of the kidney. The swelling or obstruction can occur at:
- Opening of the kidneys into the ureters
- The ureters
- The bladder
- The urethra
Why is pyeloplasty done?
Pyeloplasty is done to repair an obstruction in the tube that drains urine from the kidney into the bladder (ureter). Pyeloplasty can help fix the problems due to urine flow obstruction, which include:
- Ureteropelvic junction blockage that develops before birth
- Blockages caused by polyps, tumors, or scarring
- Hydronephrosis
- Recurrent flank pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidney)
- Deterioration in kidney function
- Kidney stones
When should pyeloplasty be avoided?
Pyeloplasty is generally avoided in:
- Strictures (narrowing) longer than 2 cm
- Entrapment of ureter by the renal vessel (crossing renal vessel)
- Untreated coagulopathy (defect with blood clotting)
What to expect during a pyeloplasty?
Before the surgery:
- As this surgery is generally a planned one, the surgeon prepares you for the surgery.
- The surgeon may examine to assess the obstruction and function of the kidney.
- You may have to undergo a renal scan.
- The surgeon will assess your hemoglobin values and bleeding parameters.
- They may obtain your informed consent.
- You may receive antibiotics such as cefazolin.
During the surgery:
- Pyeloplasty is performed under general anesthesia.
- The surgeon makes three small incisions in the abdomen.
- Next, the surgeon inserts a telescope and small instruments through these holes.
- The surgeon removes the narrowed or obstructed part of the ureter and reconnects the healthy portion to the kidney’s drainage system.
- A stent is placed inside the ureter to drain the kidney.
After the surgery:
- You may be given intravenous fluids.
- You may be given painkillers to control pain.
- You may continue antibiotics, until the drain is removed.
- Recovery is faster in laparoscopic procedure than in the open procedure.
- You may be discharged from the hospital within two to three days.
- You can return to a regular diet after surgery.
- Avoid contact sports or cycling for six weeks.
- You may have to undergo imaging studies approximately six to eight weeks after the procedure.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/kidney_stone_s1_crystal.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/laparoscopic-pyeloplasty#:~:text=Laparoscopic%20pyeloplasty%20is%20a%20way,through%20a%20minimally%20invasive%20procedure
Top What Is Pyeloplasty Surgery? Related Articles
Kidney Disease Quiz
Kidney disease is common. Take this kidney disease quiz to test your knowledge and learn the symptoms, causes and types of kidney disease and what foods to eat and avoid!Kidney (Renal) Failure
Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, or medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure include sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis.
Post renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones.Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) usually is caused by E. coli and other bacteria that have spread from the bladder from a UTI (urinary tract infection), poor hygiene, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, catheter, cystoscope exam, surgery, kidney stones, or prostate enlargement. Symptoms of kidney infection include back pain, frequent urination, pain during urination, fever, and or pus or blood in the urine. Kidney infection can be cured with antibiotic treatment. Cranberry juice may prevent UTIs, but that hasn’t been proven in all research studies.Kidney Pain
Kidney pain has a variety of causes and symptoms. Infection, injury, trauma, bleeding disorders, kidney stones, and less common conditions may lead to kidney pain. Symptoms associated with kidney pain may include fever, vomiting, nausea, flank pain, and painful urination. Treatment of kidney pain depends on the cause of the pain.Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain
The signs and symptoms of kidney pain and back pain depend upon the underlying cause. Doctors may use blood tests, X-rays, CT, and/or MRI to diagnose kidney pain and back pain. Treatment may include rest, ice, stretching, muscle strengthening, and pain-relieving medications.Kidney Stone Slideshow
What causes kidney stones? Where is kidney stone pain located on your body? Learn the symptoms and signs of kidney stone pain. Explore kidney stone treatment and how to prevent kidney stones.Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)
Kidney stones are solid masses of crystalline material that form in the kidneys. Symptoms and signs of kidney stones can include pain, nausea, vomiting, and even fever and chills. Kidney stones are diagnosed via CT scans and specialized X-rays. Treatment of kidney stones involves drinking lots of fluids and taking over-the-counter pain medications to medical intervention including prescription medications, lithotripsy, and sometimes even surgery.Kidneys Picture
The kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen. See a picture of the Kidneys and learn more about the health topic.propofol
Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic drug used for general anesthesia and sedation during surgical procedures. Common side effects of propofol include injection site burning, stinging or pain; low blood pressure (hypotension), reduced cardiac output, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), pause in breathing (apnea), lung impairment (respiratory acidosis), impaired movement, high level of emulsified fats in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and high triglyceride level in blood (hypertriglyceridemia). Abuse of propofol can cause death and other injuries.succinylcholine
Succinylcholine is a skeletal muscle relaxant used for medical procedures done under general anesthesia, including tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and surgeries. Common side effects of succinylcholine include postoperative muscle pain, jaw rigidity, muscle twitch (fasciculation), respiratory depression, cessation of breathing (apnea), low or high blood pressure (hypotension or hypertension), irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias), slow or rapid heartbeat (bradycardia or tachycardia), cardiac arrest, increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), severe life-threatening drug reaction with excessively high temperature (malignant hyperthermia), salivary gland enlargement, excessive salivation, rash, hypersensitivity reactions, and others.Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
You might know that more than a drink or two a day is bad for your health. But in some cases, any alcohol at all may not be a great idea.