The kidneys filter waste from blood and produce urine, which drains from within the kidney to the renal pelvis and into the ureter. From the ureter, the urine collects in the bladder and exits through the urethra. However, certain problems in the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters) can affect how the urine is drained.

Blockage of urine from the kidney to the bladder can develop from multiple causes, scar tissue, also known as strictures, can develop which narrow the channel of the ureter and prevent urine draining quickly and easily to the bladder. Sources of strictures can be from trauma, repeated stone passage, certain types of infections or prior radiation. Other organs or masses within the body can press against the ureter preventing flow of urine as well.

One type of blockage is called a ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. This can be something a person is born with or develop later in life. Often a patient has a blood vessel that crosses over the UPJ or has a narrowed lumen which leads to poor urine flow, pain or infection.

Less commonly a fistula, or connection between two structures within the body may occur requiring surgery. In this case between the ureter and another organ, such as the vagina for example.

For most of these conditions a surgical repair is needed.

What Is Upper Tract Reconstruction?

Upper urinary tract reconstruction is a surgical procedure aiming to address issues affecting the upper urinary tract, like those previously discussed. In most cases the goal is to prevent or treat urine blockage and allow urine to flow properly between the kidney and the bladder. It aims to relieve symptoms and prevent kidney damage by alleviating the obstruction. Depending on the affected area, this surgery can be performed in the upper, mid or lower part of the ureter. There are a variety of possible procedures depending on a person’s individual situation. Some of these surgeries are included below:

• Pyeloplasty – correcting a narrowing at the junction between the kidney and the ureter
• Ureterolysis – removal of the scar or mass from around the ureter that is pressing on the ureter from the outside.
• Ureteroureterostomy – the blockage in the middle of the ureter is removed and the two ends are reconnected back to one another
• Ureteral reimplantation – the healthy ureter above the obstruction is connected into the bladder at a new location to allow for drainage of urine between the kidney and bladder.

What Is the Recovery Time for Ureter Reconstruction Surgery?

Recovery time varies for each patient and may depend on multiple factors including the type of procedure, the patient’s health and other surgical interventions performed at that time. Most surgeries will take 4 weeks 6 weeks to recover from. The patient will typically stay overnight in the hospital after surgery and be discharged home the next day.They may have a catheter to help drain urine from their bladder.

Patients must follow their doctor’s instructions about restricted activities, wound care, medication management, etc. Patients should continue to attend follow-up appointments so their doctors can assess their healing progress and address any concerns or complications that may occur. Any surgery carries potential risks and complications, so discuss these with your doctor before the procedure. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms during your recovery.

Insurances Accepted

We accept various medical insurance plans so you can get the care you need for your condition. For questions about your coverage, please contact your insurance provider directly or visit our patient resources page for your billing and insurance questions. If you have specific questions regarding insurance coverage at any Baptist Medical Network location, call us at 210-606-9071.