Pyeloscopy Melbourne

What is Pyeloplasty?

Pyeloplasty is an operation to correct a blockage that has occurred between the kidney and the ureter (pelvic ureteric junction – PUJ). The ureter is the tube which drains urine from the kidney into the bladder. Removing the blockage will allow urine to drain into the bladder.

What is Laparoscopy Pyeloplasty?

This is a key-hole method for correcting the obstruction. The surgery involves using telescopic instruments to look inside your abdomen.

How is the surgery performed?

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. A cystoscopy is performed first and a narrow tube called a stent is inserted between the bladder and the kidney. The stent helps to support and protect the repair and to help with healing. The stent is left in place for 6 weeks after the operation.

You will have approximately 3-5 entry sites/ports. These are approximately .5-1cm in length on the side of the affected kidney. The repair is performed using the telescopic equipment. You will be given intravenous antibiotics during surgery.

Using the equipment, the obstruction is located, divided and the ureter is rejoined using dissolvable stitches. A drain tube is left overnight and removed by nursing staff once drainage has stopped.

The surgery takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Following your surgery

You will remain in hospital for 2 days. A drip will remain in your arm to ensure you are well hydrated. You may experience some pain following your surgery, particularly, shoulder tip pain. This is caused by the gas inserted in your abdomen to allow easy visualization of the kidney and ureter. You may also experience some abdominal discomfort and bloating. This may take a few days to settle.

The internal stent may cause some irritation which may cause urinary frequency, urgency and pain and discomfort when passing urine. You may also see some blood in the urine. This is normal.

Following discharge from hospital

It is important you maintain an adequate fluid intake. Please drink up to 1.5 litres of fluid per day.

Please continue to take your oral analgesia (pain medication) as required. If your prescribed medication does not relieve your pain then please contact the rooms and speak to the Practice Nurse.

Please remove your wound dressings 5-7 days following your operation. If you have any concerns, please call the rooms and speak to the Practice Nurse.

Arrangements will be made for you to return to theatre 6 weeks to have the internal stent removed. This date will be given to you following discharge. Your stent will be removed under a local anaesthetic and via a flexible cystoscopy. Some patients chose to have sedation for this as well. This is a day procedure only.

You are required to avoid any strenuous activities including heavy lifting, bike riding, brisk walking, running and golf.

You will be unable to drive for approximately 7-10 days.

You must call the rooms on 03 9457 4445 and speak to the Practice Nurse if you experience any of the following:

• Excruciating pain when passing urine not relieved by oral analgesia
• Fever
• Wound sites – red, inflamed/swollen and hot to touch
• Urine – offensive, presence of frank blood, passing of clots
• Nausea, general malaise