Patient journey
A step-by-step guide to a pyeloplasty pathway, from the first consultation through to stent removal and follow-up imaging. Figures on this page describe the typical robotic repair; open surgery takes longer to recover from and laser endopyelotomy has a shorter admission.
Dr Kooner reviews your CT urogram and MAG3 renogram, confirms the diagnosis, and discusses whether surgery is needed. If it is, the four approaches are compared and one is recommended based on your anatomy, split renal function, and preferences.
A mid-stream urine test is sent a week or two before surgery to make sure the urine is not infected. Blood thinners are paused under cardiology or GP guidance. You will be given specific fasting instructions for the morning of surgery.
Admission on the day of the operation. General anaesthetic. The procedure itself takes roughly two to three hours for a robotic repair. Several small keyhole incisions are used; there is no flank wound. You wake up in recovery with a urinary catheter, which is typically removed the next morning.
About two days for robotic or laparoscopic repair. Seven to ten days for open surgery. Overnight admission or a day case for laser endopyelotomy. Pain is managed with regular oral painkillers; most patients do not need strong opiates beyond the first day.
Light activity only. Keep the port sites clean and dry. Drink plenty of water. A little blood in the urine, mild flank ache, and an urge to pass urine more often are normal - these are stent symptoms and settle once the stent is removed.
The internal ureteric stent is removed at four to six weeks in a brief day-case cystoscopy. It is done under short general anaesthetic or local sedation depending on preference. Stent symptoms settle within a few days of removal.
Desk work is usually possible within one to two weeks after robotic or laparoscopic repair. Strenuous work, sport, and heavy lifting wait until about six weeks. Driving resumes when you are off strong painkillers and can safely perform an emergency stop.
A MAG3 renogram at three to six months confirms the kidney is draining well and that the repair has healed. Most patients are then discharged back to their GP, with imaging repeated only if symptoms return.
The rooms can arrange a consultation to review imaging, confirm obstruction with a drainage study, and outline which pyeloplasty approach fits your situation.