Ureteral Reimplantation

The main issue leading up to a patient receiving ureteral reimplantation has everything to do with a ureter’s bad connection to the bladder wall. If you’re experiencing a strong urge to urinate, blood in the urine, abdominal pain, or a burning sensation when urinating, you may want to consider looking into the surgery.

The Procedure

Ureteral reimplantation is a procedure performed to correct ureters – the tubes that connect the bladder to the the kidneys. During the surgery, the tubes’ positions are altered so that they join the bladder, with the goal of preventing urine from backing up into the kidneys.

The procedure is commonly used to treat reflux, when urine from the bladder actually flows back up into the kidneys through the tubes that connect the kidneys with the bladder. During the surgery, the ureter’s connection to the bladder is altered – and a surgeon creates a new tunnel leading into the bladder, reestablishing the ureter altogether.

Ureteral reimplantation takes several hours to complete, with a handful of methods to achieve the best possible result, all based on the patient’s specific condition. Once a patient undergoes general anesthesia, a surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen (just above the pubic bone), following the realignment of the ureter. Once this process is complete, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable stitches, and a tube is placed into the bladder – which allows the urine to drain until the patient heals.

Complications of Not Having The Procedure

If a patient chooses not to undergo ureteral reimplantation – but clearly needs to do so – kidneys can be permanently scarred and damaged. And while it is a popular surgery, patients should understand that there are some complications that could possibly occur, including nausea and vomiting, cramping, excess bleeding and difficulty urinating.

Although the anesthesia eliminates pain during surgery, a patient may experience pain as they recover from ureteral reimplantation in addition to minimal cramping in the bladder. Medication can be prescribed to manage this discomfort, and as always, it is strongly advised to follow our instructions upon returning home.

Our physicians here at Somerset Urological Associates are specialized and trained to perform a handful of procedures and services to assist with any urological need, including ureteral reimplantation. To schedule an appointment, you can reach us at 908-927-0300. We’re conveniently located at 72 West End Avenue Somerville, NJ 08876, with services in New Brunswick and Middlesex.