What is ureteral reimplantation?
Ureteral reimplantation is a surgical procedure that fixes the tubes (ureters) that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder is made out of muscle, and the ureter enters it in a way that doesn’t allow urine to flow back into the kidney. If the ureter enters the bladder abnormally, the muscle backing of the bladder will not completely cover the ureter. This will allow urine to flow back towards the kidney, resulting in a condition called vesicoureteral reflux. Ureteral reimplantation surgically repositions or reimplants the ureter in the bladder wall. Complex ureteral reconstruction may be necessary for more severe abnormalities.
What are the symptoms of vesicoureteral reflux?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) commonly occur when you have vesicoureteral reflux. The signs and symptoms of a UTI include:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Strong, persistent urges to urinate
- Passing small amounts of urine frequently
- Cloudy, bloody or strong-smelling urine
- Pain in the abdomen or sides (flanks)
- Fever
Untreated vesicoureteral reflux can result in kidney failure, bed-wetting, constipation and high blood pressure.
What can I expect during the procedure?
During the surgery, no artificial parts are used. The surgeons at South Bay Urology will reposition or reimplant your original ureter. The aim of the surgery is to surround the end of the ureter with bladder muscle, in order to prevent urine from backing up toward the bladder. Our surgeons use laparoscopic techniques to avoid large incisions. Laparoscopic surgery relies on a few small incisions and the use of specialized tools.
We use general anesthesia for the procedure. During the surgery, a few small incisions will be made in your abdomen. Specialized tools will be inserted through these incisions to complete the reimplantation process. A series of incisions and stitches will be used to realign your ureter, but the exact method will depend on your specific condition. After all of the surgical tools are removed, we will close up your abdomen with stitches. The entire procedure takes 2-3 hours with the average hospital stay of less than 23 hours after your surgery.
Schedule an appointment in Southern California
If you experience any of the symptoms associated with vesicoureteral reflux, schedule an appointment at South Bay Urology in Torrance, California. We will diagnose your condition and provide treatment, including ureteral reimplantation and, if necessary, complex ureteral reconstruction. To schedule an appointment with expert urologists in the South Bay, fill out our online request form or give us a call at (310) 542-0199.
(310) 542-0199