Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH

Pyeloplasty

Genitourinary



 



This surgery repairs a blockage where the ureter connects to the kidney.  This area is known as the UPJ or ur-e-ter-o-pel-vic junction.  After the blockage is removed and the ureter is repaired, a small tube called a stent is left in place to aid healing.  This surgery can be done by laparoscope or through a larger incision.

 

Getting Ready for Surgery

 

  • You will need to clean stool from your bowel before surgery.  We will talk with you about this prep and give you written details while you are in clinic.

 

The Day before Surgery

 

  • Eat a light breakfast and lunch, avoid greasy foods and red meat.
  • Drink only clear liquids after lunch up to midnight (no limit on amount).
    • Water
    • Broth
    • Juice without pulp (apple, cranberry, grape are okay)
    • Popsicles
    • Hard candy, no chocolate
    • Clear Jell-O®, homemade, not premade,(no fruit, etc. in it)
    • Sparkling water or soda
    • Weak coffee or tea, no creamer
    • Gatorade® or other sport-type drink
    • Boost Breeze®/Resource®

 

After lunch, do not eat solid food, or drink juice with pulp, dairy products or alcohol.

 

_____ At 2:00 pm drink magnesium citrate 10 oz. (1 entire bottle; any flavor).  Drink 1 liter of a sport-type drink the electrolytes before midnight (Gatorade®).  After this, you may drink as much clear liquid as you wish until midnight.

 

Shower before bed with antibacterial soap.

 

Do Not Eat or Drink after Midnight.

 

The day of surgery shower with the antibacterial soap before you leave for the hospital.

 

After Surgery

 

  • You will be in the hospital for 2-3 days.
  • You will go home with the stent in place.  This is the same type of stent you had before surgery.  The stent will stay in for 6 weeks.  You will be on antibiotics during this time.
  • You may continue to have blood in your urine.  This is normal.

 

Incision Care

 

1.   You may shower once you are home.  Do not soak in a hot tub, bathtub, or swim until it is healed.  This may be at least 2 weeks.

 

2.   Wear a Band-Aid® if your incision is draining, rubbing on your clothes, or is in a skin fold.  Change the Band-Aid® at least once each day.  Change it more often if it gets wet.  Do not use lotion, powder, or ointment on your incision. 

 

3.   Look at your incision daily.  If you notice signs of infection call your doctor.

  • Increasing redness or warmth
  • Pus-like drainage or blood
  • Increased swelling
  • Temperature by mouth above 100.45° F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.

 

Pain

 

  • You may have pain for 1-3 weeks.  Pain pills will be ordered for you.

 

Diet

 

  • You will go home on a regular diet.  It is important to drink plenty of fluids, 8-10 (8 oz.) glasses a day.  A diet with enough fiber and water may prevent constipation. 

 

Activity

 

  • Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks. 
  • Avoid strenuous activity until okayed by your doctor.
  • You may drive after 2 weeks.
  • Talk to your urology doctor before going back to work.  

Follow-up

 

  • You will have a follow-up visit in about 6 weeks.  Your stent will be taken out at this visit.

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

  • Temperature greater than 100.4○F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
  • Pain not controlled by pain pills
  • Nausea or vomiting that does not go away
  • Low amount of urine or trouble passing urine
  • Severe burning with urination
  • Bloody urine that you cannot see through or large blood clots
  • Redness or warmth at your incision that is getting worse
  • Pus or excess blood from the incision(s)
  • If you have not had a bowel movement 3-4 days after surgery

 

Phone Number

 

Urology Clinic: (608) 263-4757  

 

After hours, weekends and holidays this connects you to the message center.  Ask for the urology doctor on call or the doctor on call for Dr. ___________________________________. 

Leave your name and phone number with area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

Toll Free: 1-800-323-8942.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 03/22/2010

Copyright © 03/22/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6348

Print Health Fact For You