Pyeloplasty
Blockage of the kidney where it joins the ureter is the commonest congenital abnormality of the ureter. It can lead to pain, urinary infections, kidney stones and high blood pressure and so should be treated. It affects both kidneys in 10% of patients. In 2/3 patients the blockage is caused by a narrowing in the ureter and in the remaining 1/3 by kinking of the ureter over an extra blood vessel supplying the lower part of the kidney.
Kidney before Pyeloplasty |
Kidney after Pyeloplasty |
|
The kidneys lie high in the abdomen, below the diaphragm and as a result can only be reached by traditional surgery through a large incision. The laparoscopic operation is performed through 4 x 5-12 mm cuts near the rib cage. Several procedures have been developed over the years to treat this condition but pyeloplasty gives the highest chance of cure. The evidence to date suggests that laparoscopic pyeloplasty has an even higher success rate than traditional surgery. We have one of the largest experiences in the world of this procedure. |
Success rate (%) [4,5] Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty |
8.2% |
>> Click here for the Pyeloplasty information sheet