We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Ureter Surgery?

By D. Jeffress
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 39,875
Share

The ureters are long, thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Several different health problems can damage the ureters or impair their functioning, including large kidney stones, cancer, blood clots, or congenital defects. A ureter blockage can be very painful and lead to severe nausea, abdominal swelling, and blood pressure issues. Ureter surgery is necessary when medications and other non-invasive treatments fail to improve symptoms. There are several different variations of the surgery, and a team of specialists determines which type of procedure to perform on a patient-to-patient basis.

Most small stones, clots, and other types of blockages can be removed via a minimally-invasive ureter surgery. Operations can usually be performed laparoscopically, which involves making one or more small incisions and manipulating tools to clear the blockage. A thin fiber optic tube called an endoscope is inserted through the urethra or a small cut in the abdomen. A surgeon guides the endoscope to the damaged ureter to inspect it and locate the blockage. A precision scalpel, ultrasonic device, or electric probe can then be used to break up the obstruction.

Once a blockage is cleared, the surgeon can insert a temporary catheter in the ureter or bladder, remove the endoscope, and suture the skin incision. Catheters allow urine to bypass the surgical site so the ureter has time to heal. Most laparoscopic surgeries can be performed in less than two hours, and patients generally need to stay in the hospital for two to four days following surgery so doctors can monitor their recovery. If a patient is healing well after a few days, the catheter is removed and he or she is allowed to go home. Follow-up visits in the first few weeks after surgery are important to make sure the condition has been entirely resolved.

If a ureter is badly damaged, ruptured, or deformed, open ureter surgery may be necessary. A long incision is made in the side or lower back to give the surgeon direct access to the ureter. The surgeon can choose to reposition the tube, cut away damaged sections, or remove the entire ureter if it is beyond repair. If the ureter is removed, the kidney and bladder are usually stretched closer together and grafted tissue is used to fashion a new connecting tube.

Recovery time following open ureter surgery can vary, but many patients need to stay in the hospital for at least two weeks. Catheters are inserted and intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and pain relievers are given. People may need to limit their physical activity and dietary intake for several months to promote full recoveries.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon350423 — On Oct 04, 2013

i experienced a ruptured ureter due to a kidney stone. I currently have a 6 inch scar at the side of my tummy and a lot of pain. If the ureter is badly blocked, they usually have to cut you and mend the ureter. A stent was placed after my surgery and a catheter.

I have a friend whose ureter was kinked and surgeons had to cut it and stitch it back together. He also needed a stent and catheter afterward.

By anon220132 — On Oct 05, 2011

I am curious to see if this is a recent post. My son is having similar issues. I would like to see what was done with your husband? My son's left ureter is blocked in two spots and a wire can't be placed in either direction.

By anon158032 — On Mar 05, 2011

My husband has two blocked ureters, not kidney stones. Both are blocked 3" from bottom. They can't get a wire through from bottom or from top. He has had PET scan, CT scan, MRI etc no signs of cancer. He now has two nephrostomy tubes since last Aug. Can anything be done?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-ureter-surgery.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.