Nephroureterectomy
What is a nephroureterectomy?
A nephroureterectomy is a surgery to remove a kidney and the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. This tube is called a ureter. This surgery usually is performed to treat damaged or nonfunctioning kidneys associated with urinary reflux or urinary obstruction.
At Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, this surgery often can be performed using robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, a viewing tube called a laparoscope is inserted through a tiny incision. Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through tiny incisions. We are the only pediatric hospital in Wisconsin using robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in children, and our urology surgeons use robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery to treat a variety of conditions previously treated only with open, or traditional, surgery. The advantages of robot-assisted surgery for the patient may include less pain, less blood loss, less scarring, shorter hospital stays and shorter recovery time. Learn more about robotic laparoscopic surgery.