Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an actual way of performing reconstructive surgery of a scarring where the ureter, the tube that drains urine attaches to the kidney via minimally invasive procedure. This procedure is essentially carried out to correct a blockage or narrowing of the ureter tubes when they the kidneys. This malfunctioning is called as ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction that results in reduced and slow drainage of the urine. This may cause abdominal pain, flank pain, stones, UTIs, High BP, and worsening of kidney function.

Procedure:

For Laparoscopic pyeloplasty to be performed, general anaesthesia is being given, length of the operation varies from three to four hours. Incisions are made in the abdomen to carry out the surgery. Typically three incisions are made to insert the telescope and other small instruments via abdomen. This permits the surgeon to repair the blockage or narrowing of the ureter.
A stent which is a small plastic tube, called as ureteral stent is left inside the ureter at the end of the procedure to bridge the repair, and help the draining of the kidneys. The stent has its presence only till 6 weeks, after that the stent is removed in the doctor’s presence.

Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction

Potential Risks and Complications

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty

Some of the potential risks are:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Hernia
• Tissue / organ injury
• Conversion to open surgery
• Failure to correct UPJ obstruction