(Laparoscopic Ureterectomy with Reimplantation)
Definition
Definition
Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation is surgery to reposition a ureter. The ureter is a tube between the kidney and the bladder. It allows urine to pass down to the bladder.
Laparoscopic procedures use small incisions and specialized tools. This helps to avoid large incisions that are needed with open surgery.
The Urinary TractCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Some ureters are not positioned correctly in the bladder. This can make it difficult for urine to flow into the bladder. Ureteral reimplantation may be done to reposition ureters that:
- Are causing urine to flow back into the ureters and kidneys—known as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
- Were damaged due to trauma or surgery
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
If you are having this procedure, the doctor will review a list of possible complications. These may include:
- Excess bleeding
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Soreness in throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bladder spasms
- Cramping
- Difficulty urinating
Talk to the doctor about these risks before the procedure.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
- The doctor may need pictures of your urinary tract.
- Blood and urine tests may be done. Theses test will show how well the kidneys are working.
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Talk to the doctor about any medications you are taking:
- Do not take any new medications, herbs, or supplements without talking to the doctor.
- You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week before the procedure.
- Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.
- The night before surgery, you should eat a light meal. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by the doctor.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia may be used. It will be given through a vein in the arm or hand. You will be asleep through the procedure.
A spinal block may be used. This is an anesthesia injected into the spine. It will block pain below your waist.
Description of the Procedure
A few small incisions will be made in your abdomen. Specialized tools will be inserted through the incisions. A series of incisions and stitches will be used to realign the ureter. The method used will be based on your specific condition.
After the tools are removed, the incisions in the abdomen will be closed with stitches. Bandages may be placed over the incisions.
Immediately After Procedure
After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation.
How Long Will It Take?
2 to 3 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. There may be some pain as you recover. You may also have some cramping in your bladder. You will be given medication to help manage any discomfort.
Average Hospital Stay
The usual length of stay is two days. You may need to stay longer if there are complications.
Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital
- You will receive fluids and medicines through an IV.
- Urine will drain through the tube into a bag. The urine may have blood in it for the first few days.
At Home
When you return home, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
- Difficulty urinating
- Excess bleeding
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Pus or bad smelling fluids draining from the incision site
- Redness or swelling at the incision site
- Urine that smells bad
- Pain that cannot be controlled with the medications the doctor prescribed
- Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications the doctor prescribed
If you think you are having an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/education/ureteral_reimplant_surgery/index.html
Accessed January 12, 2015.
Ureteral reimplant. Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota website. Available at:
http://www.childrensmn.org/manuals/pfs/surg/018768.pdf
Updated October 2013. Accessed January 12, 2015.
Ureteral reimplantation. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin website. Available at:
http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/48560/router.asp
Accessed January 12, 2015.
Ureteral reimplantation surgery. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh website. Available at:
http://www.chp.edu/CHP/Ureteral+Reimplantation+Surgery
Accessed January 12, 2015.
Vesicoureteral reflux. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated December 28, 2014. Accessed January 12, 2015.
Vesicoureteral reflux. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at:
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/vesicoureteralreflux
Updated June 29, 2012. Accessed January 12, 2015.
Last Updated: 4/29/2014