Patient Information Sheet
Pyeloplasty
What is a pyeloplasty?
A pyeloplasty is an operation to remove a blockage or an obstruction in one of the tubes known as the ureter which connects one of the kidneys to the bladder.
Why do I need this operation?
Due to the blockage or the obstruction in the ureter, urine cannot flow easily from one of the kidneys to the bladder. This blockage is usually present form birth, that is, congenital or it can be acquired (due to disease process or previous operations). If the blockage or obstruction is not treated, it can stop the kidney working.
Preparation for the operation
A few tests will be required before the operation depending on your age and general health. There are usually performed the day before your operation.
They include:
- Blood Tests
- Urine Tests
- Chest x-ray or an abdominal x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), or non-invasive heart tracing
What are the risks associated with the operation?
As with all operations, there are inherent risks associated with having a general anaesthetic. They include:
Chest infection, due to a build-up secretions in the lungs, especially in smokers.
Blood clots in the legs which can travel to the lung and can be potentially very serious.
Older people are more at risk of complications related to their heart around the time of surgery including heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms and strokes.
As the operation requires an incision to the abdomen there is always a risk of wound infection. Antibiotics are given for the first 24-48 hours after the operation to reduce this risk.
The Operation
You will be given a general anaesthetic which requires you to fast from midnight the night before the operation. The doctor makes an incision on the abdomen near the site of the obstruction. The section of the blockage or obstruction is removed and the lower end of the ureter is reattached to the healthy area above the obstruction / blockage.
The doctor may also insert a very thin instrument; know as a stent to prevent the ureter narrowing or obstruction again. The doctor may place a drain above the operation site to allow the area to heal. A tube attached to a bag will also be place in the bladder to drain urine, viagra generic online this is called a urinary catheter.
What to expect after the operation?
As previously mentioned, when you wake up you will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine and possibly a drain into the wound site. Neither of these usually cause too much discomfort. You will have a dressing to the wound which is left untouched form aprox. 48 hours. When your wound will be checked and then every other day thereafter.
You will given special pain killers including morphine through a drip to keep you as pain free and comfortable as possible. You will also receive continuous fluids through a drip until you allowed and able to drink sufficient fluids. Once you allowed to drink freely, you are encouraged to drink at least 6 to 8 large glasses of fluids per day.
Deep breathing exercises and regular leg movements are encouraged to reduce the risk of developing a chest infection of blood clots. You will be visited by a physiotherapist.
The drain and urinary catheter will be removed as instructed by your doctor. You may experience some discomfort for a time once your urinary catheter is removed as well.
The need to go more often, this usually resolves after a few days.
Home Care
Helpful hints for home
- Continue to drink at least 6 to 8 large glasses of fluids per day.
- Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of protein, fresh vegetables and fruit to promote wound healing.
- Take all medications as instructed on your discharge including antibiotics.
- Take regular gentle exercise e.g. short walks three times a day.
- Avoid sex for atleast 6 weeks
- If your job does not involve any strenuous activity or heavy lifting, you may return viagra online to work after whats a viagra yahoo 3-4 weeks. However, if your job involves strenuous activity or heavy lifting, you should wait 6 -8 weeks before returning to work
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You should contact Mother Teresa Unit, Galway Clinic if you have any concerns after you go home or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- High temperature
- Excessive bleeding
- Difficulty passing urine
- Vomiting
- Return of symptoms prior to operation
- Discharge form wound site
Compiled by: Marie Connolly
Sister
Mother Teresa Unit
Consultant Urologist
Mr. S. Jaffry
