Overview |
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Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty provides patients with a safe and effective way to perform reconstructive surgery of a narrowing or scarring where the ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder) attaches to the kidney through a minimally invasive procedure. This operation is used to correct a blockage or narrowing of the ureter where it leaves the kidney. This abnormality is called a ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction which results in poor and sluggish drainage of urine from the kidney. UPJ obstruction can potentially cause abdominal and flank pain, stones, infection, high blood pressure and deterioration of kidney function. When compared to the conventional open surgical technique, laparoscopic pyeloplasty has resulted in significantly less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, earlier return to work and daily activities, a more favorable cosmetic result and outcomes identical to that of the open procedure. |
Appointments |
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To make an appointment for consultation please call 410-955-6100. In the event of an emergency and you need to contact someone in the evening hours or on the week end, please call the paging operator at 410-955-6070 (for Johns Hopkins Hospital Patients) or 410-550-0100 (for Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Patients) and ask to speak to the urologist on call. |
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Prior To The Surgery |
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Preoperative consultationDuring your initial consultation with your surgeon, he will review your medical history as well as any outside reports, records, and outside X-ray films (e.g. CT scan, MRI, sonogram, renal scans, etc.). A brief physical examination will also be performed at the time of your visit. If your surgeon determines that you are a candidate for surgery, you will then meet with a Patient Service Surgery Coordinator to arrange for the date of your operation. NOTE: It is very important that you gather and bring all of your X-ray films and reports to your initial consultation with your surgeon. What to expect prior to the surgery
These results need to be faxed by your doctor's office to the Pre-operative Evaluation Center at 443-287-9358 two weeks prior to your surgery. Please call The Documentation Center at 410-955-9453 two weeks before your surgery date to confirm that this information was sent.
Preparation for surgery
Bowel Preparation and Clear Liquid Diet
Clear Liquid Diet Remember not to eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your surgery.
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The Surgery |
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The OperationLaparoscopic pyeloplasty is performed under a general anesthetic. The typical length of the operation is 3-4 hours. The surgery is performed through 3 small (1cm) incisions made in the abdomen. A telescope and small instruments are inserted into the abdomen through these keyhole incisions, which allow the surgeon to repair the blockage/narrowing without having to place his hands into the abdomen. A small plastic tube (called a ureteral stent) is left inside the ureter at the end of the procedure to bridge the pyeloplasty repair and help drain the kidney. This stent will remain in place for 4 weeks and is usually removed in the doctor's office. A small drain will also be left exiting your flank to drain away any fluid around the kidney and pyeloplasty repair.
![]() Laparoscopic Procedure Patient Positioning
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Potential Risks and ComplicationsAlthough this procedure has proven to be very safe, as in any surgical procedure there are risks and potential complications. The safety and complication rates are similar when compared to the open surgery. Potential risks include:
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What To Expect After Surgery |
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During your hospitalizationImmediately after the surgery you will be taken to the recovery room and transferred to your hospital room once you are fully awake and your vital signs are stable.
What to expect after discharge from the hospital
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