About
A pyeloplasty is an operation to repair a narrowing in the ureteropelvic junction (where the kidney joins the ureter). A narrowed junction is usually present since birth. Otherwise, it can be the result of other things, including injury, trauma from surgery and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
Your consultant will make a small cut in the skin above the affected kidney. They will then widen the junction, inserting a stent (a thin tube) into the ureter to maintain it. The procedure takes about three hours and will be carried out under general anesthetic, which means you'll be asleep. A nephrostomy tube may be inserted into the kidney to drain the urine. A catheter (a thin tube) will also be inserted to help monitor urine drain from the non-affected kidney. The nephorstomy tube will be removed before you you go home and the catheter will be removed after 24 hours. -
How to prepare icon plus
You shouldn't eat anything six hours before operation but you can drink up to two hours before your operation. The area of skin where the cut will be made may need to be shaved before the operation. -
Afterwards icon plus
After the pyeloplasty procedure, you'll stay at the hospital for three to six days to recover (depending on the technique used). Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine. However, you can expect your post-discharge recovery to last four to six weeks. You'll usually have the stent removed six weeks after your operation.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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HCA UK at University College Hospital
15th Floor, University College Hospital
235 Euston Road
London NW1 2BU
Request an appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.