Pyeloplasty for Adults
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about pyeloplasty:
Pyeloplasty is surgery to remove a blockage or narrowing between your kidney and ureter.
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How to prepare for pyeloplasty:
- Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you need any tests before your surgery, and when to have them.
What will happen during pyeloplasty:
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. A urinary catheter will be inserted while you are asleep. This helps drain urine from your bladder.
- Pyeloplasty may be done as open or laparoscopic surgery. For open surgery, your surgeon will make 1 incision over the blocked area. For laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will make 3 small incisions in your abdomen. A laparoscope and other tools will be placed inside your abdomen through the incisions. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a light and camera on the end. Your surgeon will detach the ureter from the kidney. The blocked or narrow area will be removed. Then the ureter will be reattached to the kidney. A stent may be placed in the ureter to keep it open.
- The incisions will be closed with stitches or skin adhesive tape and covered with a bandage.
What to expect after pyeloplasty:
- You will be taken to a recovery room so healthcare providers can watch for any problems. You will then be taken to your hospital room.
- The urinary catheter will stay in place until your ureters work properly. You may be sent home with the urinary catheter in place. Healthcare providers will teach you how to care for the catheter at home.
- You may have pain when you urinate or see blood in your urine. This is normal and should only happen until your provider removes the stent.
- The stent will stay in place for about 4 weeks after surgery. This helps keep the ureter open, drain urine, and prevent urine from leaking at the surgery site. Your provider will tell you when to return to have the stent removed.
Risks of pyeloplasty:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. The ureters may not connect properly to the bladder or may leak urine. Your kidneys, bladder, or other nearby organs may be damaged. You may need another surgery to fix organ damage. Scarring may build up in the surgery area. Scarring may cause another obstruction that will need to be removed with surgery.
Related medications
Seek care immediately if:
- You urinate less than usual or not at all.
- The incision area is red, swollen, or draining pus.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Antibiotics help prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Medicine may be given to prevent or relieve bladder spasms. This may be needed if a stent was placed during surgery.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions. The following are general guidelines:
- Rest as needed. Your provider will tell you when you can return to work, school, or other daily activities. Do not drive until your provider says it is okay.
- Drink extra liquid. Liquid will help your urinary system work properly.
- Avoid strenuous activity. Do not play sports, do vigorous exercises, or lift anything heavier than your provider says is okay. You may need to avoid these activities for 4 to 6 weeks, or as directed by your provider.
Care for the incision area as directed:
Do not let the area get wet until the surgeon says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the area. Just let water run over the area. Gently pat the area dry. Then put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions over the incision area. Check the area every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.
Follow up with your surgeon or doctor as directed:
Follow up within 1 week if you have a urinary catheter. If a stent was placed, your doctor will need to remove it. Ultrasound pictures will be used to check for kidney swelling or other problems. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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