What is Pyeloplasty?

A pyeloplasty is an operation performed when urine is unable to drain out of the kidney properly. This is caused be a narrowing at the junction where the ureter (the tube that leads from your kidney to the bladder) meets the kidney.


What happens during the operation?

The operation itself is carried out using a general anaesthetic. An incision (cut) is made into your side during the operation and the narrowed area is reconstructed around a tube (stent) to make the junction wider.
The operation itself takes approximately two hours.


What happens after the operation?

You will be taken from the theatre to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored until you are awake enough to return to the ward.
You will have a catheter (tube) inserted into the bladder to drain your urine, as well as any blood or debris from the operation.
The catheter usually stays in place for 24-48 hours.
You may have a tube into your side, which will stay in place for seven to ten days after surgery to allow the wound to heal.
As you have not had much to drink prior too and during the operation, you will have intravenous fluids (a drip) to keep you hydrated.
You will also have a PCA. PCA stands for patient controlled analgesia, which allows you to control how much pain relief you receive. You will have a button to press that will give you a specified dose of strong painkiller into your vein. The pump has a lockout period so that you cannot give yourself too much medication. This will be fully explained to you at the time.


How will I feel when I go home?

It may be uncomfortable to pass urine for two or three days after you have been discharged from hospital. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to help improve these symptoms. If you symptoms last longer than a week or you are worried about any thing else, you should seek advise from your GP.
The area around th incision will gradually heal. You may want to cover it with a dressing to keep it clean and dry. Any stitches or clips will be removed seven to ten day after the operation.


Will I still see blood in my urine?

It is usual to see some blood in your urine for a couple of weeks following the operation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to flush the kidneys in order for them to be able to heal. If the bleeding become heavy and there are thick blood clots that block the flow of urine, you should contact your GP.


How much shall I drink?

You should drink up to two litres per day for the first week, as this will help to wash away the blood and prevent infection. After this, you should try to drink more fluid than you would usually do. You may drink alcohol when you return home (in moderation!).


What if I get an infection?

Following the operation you are at risk of getting an infection. If you find that your urine becomes cloudy or smelly, and you have a burning sensation on passing urine, then you should contact your GP, as you may need a course of antibiotics.


What about follow-up by the hospital?

You will be sent an outpatient appointment to see your consultant six to eight weeks following discharge. You will need to have an x-ray to ensure that the kidney and ureter have recovered from the operation. You will also have an appointment to have the stent removed under local anaesthetic.