Kidney obstruction treatments

There are several treatment options for kidney obstruction and the best option for each individual patient depends on the location of the obstruction, its size and their health.

Robotic and laparoscopic pyeloplasty

Pyeloplasty is the term for cutting out the obstruction, the option which has the best results and is most durable. Traditionally, this procedure was carried out as open surgery, which involved making a large incision in the stomach and led to a long and painful recovery. More recently, it has become possible to undertake a pyeloplasty as a keyhole procedure. Since 2008, there has been a further development, with the introduction of robotic surgery in this field.

Specialists from Harley Street Urology who are highly experienced in using the Da Vinci robot in prostate surgery, were one of the first to apply it to pyeloplasty.

The operation takes around two hours. Dye is injected into the ureter so the obstruction can be clearly seen on x-ray. Four small incisions are made in the stomach in order to insert narrow tubes containing the robotic scissors, forceps and telescope.

The section of the kidney which is blocked is cut away and the ureter is reconnected to the kidney using sutures and a stent. Dissolvable stitches are used and patients can return to work and normal activities within about three weeks.

Endopyelotomy

This involves making a cut in the obstruction so that it splits open and widens. This option is not appropriate if there is a risk of damaging nearby blood vessels.

Prevention of kidney stones

Bursting the obstruction with a balloon is the quickest and least invasive option but is less effective and lasts for the shortest period of time.

Related links

▸ News: Read about one patient’s experience of a robotic pyeloplasty carried out by one of our specialists.