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Robotic surgery guide
Robotic pyeloplasty
Reconstruction of a narrowed connection between the kidney and the ureter (UPJ obstruction), so urine can drain freely and the kidney is protected.
Illustration: BruceBlaus, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Surgery time
About 2–3 hours
Hospital stay
Usually 1 night
Ureteral stent
About 4–6 weeks
Back to desk work
Usually 1–2 weeks
Typical ranges for most patients. Your own plan may differ — Dr. Pooli will review what to expect with you.
Who it’s for
Patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction — a blockage where the kidney’s collecting system (renal pelvis) meets the ureter. It can cause flank pain, infections, kidney stones or gradual loss of kidney function, and may be present from birth or develop later, sometimes from a crossing blood vessel.
A kidney drainage scan (renogram) helps confirm the blockage and how well the kidney works.
How it works
The narrowed segment is removed and the healthy ureter is stitched back to the renal pelvis in a wide, funnel-shaped connection. If a blood vessel is crossing and pressing on the ureter, the repair is moved in front of it.
A soft internal tube (stent) is left inside from kidney to bladder while the repair heals. Robotic pyeloplasty has success rates above 90% in experienced hands.
What to expect
Before, during and after surgery
Step 1
Before surgery
- CT or MRI and a kidney drainage scan (renogram)
- Urine test to treat any infection first
- Stop blood thinners as instructed
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight unless told otherwise
Step 2
During surgery
- General anesthesia, lying on your side
- 3–5 small incisions
- Narrowed segment removed and ureter reconnected
- Stent placed; a small drain may be used
Step 3
After surgery
- Walking the same day
- Catheter and drain usually removed before going home
- Stent discomfort (urgency, mild flank ache with urination) is common
- Stent removed in the office in about 4–6 weeks
- Follow-up kidney scan in a few months to confirm drainage
Possible risks
Robotic surgery is generally safe, and serious problems are uncommon. As with any operation, risks can include:
- Urine leak from the repair
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Stent-related pain or blood in the urine
- Narrowing that returns (uncommon) and may need further treatment
- Injury to nearby organs (rare)
When to call us
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Severe flank pain not relieved by medicine
- Unable to urinate
- Heavy bleeding or clots in the urine
- Any other symptom that worries you
Call (424) 529-6755. For chest pain, trouble breathing or other emergencies, call 911.
This page is general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Every patient is different; your surgical plan, recovery timeline and instructions will be personalized at your consultation.
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New patients, second opinions, concierge and out-of-network PPO patients are welcome.