Ureteral Reimplantation Surgery for Children
Ureters are the tubes that are responsible for carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder. If one or both the ureters do not connect properly with the bladder well, the urine may flow back from the bladder to the kidneys. This condition is called vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This condition is very common in babies and young children. Though this condition does not cause any pain, it can lead to urinary tract infections and can even damage the kidneys of your child. Hence, ureteral reimplantation surgery needs to be performed to change how the ureters are connected to the bladder.
The ureteral reimplantation surgery can make a strong connection between the ureters and the bladder. This will prevent the urine from flowing backwards towards the kidneys.
How to Prepare for Ureteral Reimplantation Surgery?
The doctor will ask about the medications that your child uses. The doctor also conducts ultrasound scans and other tests such as blood tests and urine tests. Ultrasound scans help to know the functioning of the kidneys. The doctor may suggest stopping using some or all of the medications your child uses before undergoing the procedure. You should stop giving solid foods a night before the procedure. You should also stop giving anything to your child to drink at least two hours before surgery.
What Happens During Surgery?
Before beginning the procedure, general anesthesia will be given to your child to make the procedure painless. The anesthesia also helps to make your child fall asleep during surgery. An IV is placed in the vein of your child’s arm or hand. Now, the surgeon makes a small incision along the bikini line to open the bladder. The surgeon then detaches some muscle and the end of one or both ureters from the bladder. Now, tunnels are made between the bladder muscle and bladder lining. The ureters are then placed in these tunnels and are secured to the bladder using stitches. A small tube or drain is placed at the incision site to drain out fluids.
Once the procedure is completed, the incisions are closed using stitches and surgical tape. The entire procedure can take around 1-2 hours.
this can be done robotically or laparoscopically avoiding big cuts on the body and also opening the bladder. This shortens the recovery and the pain is significantly less
After the Procedure
After the procedure, your child will be moved to the recovery room. Your child will be given medications to relieve the pain. Your child may feel sleepy and may have a sore throat. The healthcare removes the drain before discharging your child. If the drain is not removed, the surgeon will give you instructions on how to take care of it. Your child may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days.
Recovery
Once your child is discharged from the hospital, the surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to prevent any wound or urine infection. Your child should not have a bath for several days after the procedure. The surgeon will give you instructions on how to take care of your child’s dressing. Your child may need to have follow-up appointments after 4 to 6 weeks of surgery. The surgeon may also arrange an ultrasound scan of your child’s kidneys within 4 to 6 months of surgery. This helps to ensure that the kidneys are functioning well and there is no blockage to the ureters.
Is Your Child Diagnosed with Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)? Meet Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy Today
If your child has been diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux and looking for the best pediatric urologist in Hyderabad, meet Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy today. Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy is one of the best pediatric urologists in Hyderabad who can treat a wide range of urological problems in children. He is an expert in the investigation and treatment of urological issues in children. He keeps up-to-date about the latest in technology to provide state-of-the-art treatment options for his patients. If you would like to know about his treatment methods and services, book your initial consultation today.