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What is Ureter Surgery?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

The ureters are long, thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Several different health problems can damage the ureters or impair their functioning, including large kidney stones, cancer, blood clots, or congenital defects. A ureter blockage can be very painful and lead to severe nausea, abdominal swelling, and blood pressure issues. Ureter surgery is necessary when medications and other non-invasive treatments fail to improve symptoms. There are several different variations of the surgery, and a team of specialists determines which type of procedure to perform on a patient-to-patient basis.

Most small stones, clots, and other types of blockages can be removed via a minimally-invasive ureter surgery. Operations can usually be performed laparoscopically, which involves making one or more small incisions and manipulating tools to clear the blockage. A thin fiber optic tube called an endoscope is inserted through the urethra or a small cut in the abdomen. A surgeon guides the endoscope to the damaged ureter to inspect it and locate the blockage. A precision scalpel, ultrasonic device, or electric probe can then be used to break up the obstruction.

The human urinary tract, including the ureters.
The human urinary tract, including the ureters.

Once a blockage is cleared, the surgeon can insert a temporary catheter in the ureter or bladder, remove the endoscope, and suture the skin incision. Catheters allow urine to bypass the surgical site so the ureter has time to heal. Most laparoscopic surgeries can be performed in less than two hours, and patients generally need to stay in the hospital for two to four days following surgery so doctors can monitor their recovery. If a patient is healing well after a few days, the catheter is removed and he or she is allowed to go home. Follow-up visits in the first few weeks after surgery are important to make sure the condition has been entirely resolved.

A ureter blockage may lead to severe nausea.
A ureter blockage may lead to severe nausea.

If a ureter is badly damaged, ruptured, or deformed, open ureter surgery may be necessary. A long incision is made in the side or lower back to give the surgeon direct access to the ureter. The surgeon can choose to reposition the tube, cut away damaged sections, or remove the entire ureter if it is beyond repair. If the ureter is removed, the kidney and bladder are usually stretched closer together and grafted tissue is used to fashion a new connecting tube.

A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.
A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.

Recovery time following open ureter surgery can vary, but many patients need to stay in the hospital for at least two weeks. Catheters are inserted and intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and pain relievers are given. People may need to limit their physical activity and dietary intake for several months to promote full recoveries.

Discussion Comments

anon350423

i experienced a ruptured ureter due to a kidney stone. I currently have a 6 inch scar at the side of my tummy and a lot of pain. If the ureter is badly blocked, they usually have to cut you and mend the ureter. A stent was placed after my surgery and a catheter.

I have a friend whose ureter was kinked and surgeons had to cut it and stitch it back together. He also needed a stent and catheter afterward.

anon220132

I am curious to see if this is a recent post. My son is having similar issues. I would like to see what was done with your husband? My son's left ureter is blocked in two spots and a wire can't be placed in either direction.

anon158032

My husband has two blocked ureters, not kidney stones. Both are blocked 3" from bottom. They can't get a wire through from bottom or from top. He has had PET scan, CT scan, MRI etc no signs of cancer. He now has two nephrostomy tubes since last Aug. Can anything be done?

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    • The human urinary tract, including the ureters.
      By: 3drenderings
      The human urinary tract, including the ureters.
    • A ureter blockage may lead to severe nausea.
      By: jedi-master
      A ureter blockage may lead to severe nausea.
    • A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.
      By: iofoto
      A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.
    • A fiber-optic tube called an endoscope allows the surgeon to inspect the urethra without creating a large incision.
      By: Stephan Morrosch
      A fiber-optic tube called an endoscope allows the surgeon to inspect the urethra without creating a large incision.
    • Some larger kidney stones can damage the ureters and require surgery.
      By: airborne77
      Some larger kidney stones can damage the ureters and require surgery.
    • Ureter surgery that's done laparoscopically can be performed in less than two hours.
      By: Grzegorz Kwolek
      Ureter surgery that's done laparoscopically can be performed in less than two hours.