Pyeloplasty
What is a pyeloplasty?
A pyeloplasty is a surgery to repair a blockage between the kidneys and the ureter. The ureter is a long tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. A pyeloplasty is performed when a blockage or narrowing of the ureter prevents urine from draining normally out of the kidneys. When this occurs, pressure builds up in the kidneys leading to enlargement or dilation. This condition, called hydronephrosis, can be seen in an ultrasound or kidney scan.
During a pyeloplasty, the abnormal section of the ureter is removed. The ureter is then reattached to the kidney allowing urine to drain from the kidney normally.
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.