Ureteral Reimplantation

What is ureteral reimplantation?

A ureteral reimplantation is a surgery that fixes the way an abnormally positioned ureter connects with the bladder. There is a long tube called a ureter that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder. When the ureters are working properly, urine flows one way – to the bladder, and then out of the body. If the point where the ureter connects to the bladder is not normal, it can allow urine to flow out of the bladder and back up the ureter to the kidney. This is called urinary reflux. Urinary reflux can cause kidney infections that can damage the kidney. During ureteral reimplantation, a surgeon will create a new connection between the ureter and the bladder. This will prevent urine from refluxing up to the kidney.

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.

Urology Program

The Urology Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S.News & World Report. Urology services are provided at six convenient locations. Learn more about the Urology Program.