Overview of the Condition
What is urethral stricture?
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) caused by scar tissue. This makes it harder for urine to flow normally.
Why is it important?
If left untreated, a urethral stricture can make it difficult to empty the bladder completely and may lead to urinary tract infections and other urinary problems.
Who is commonly affected?
Urethral stricture is much more common in men than in women.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty or pain while passing urine
- Feeling that the bladder does not empty completely
- Spraying of the urine stream
- Passing urine more often
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Procedure Overview and Preparation
What is laparoscopic ureteric re-implantation and why is it done?
Laparoscopic ureteric re-implantation is a keyhole surgery that moves and reconnects the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) to the bladder in the correct position. It is done to stop urine from flowing backwards (reflux) or to repair a damaged or blocked ureter. This helps protect the kidneys from infection and long-term damage.
Procedure Overview
Step-by-step
- You will be given general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep during the surgery
- The surgeon makes a few small cuts in the abdomen
- Special instruments and a tiny camera are used to reach the ureter
- The ureter is carefully separated from the bladder
- A new opening and tunnel are created in the bladder
- The ureter is attached in its new position to prevent urine from flowing backwards
- A urinary catheter is placed to drain urine while the bladder heals
- The small cuts are closed, and you are moved to the recovery room
Time required
- 1 to 3 hours
Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay
Risks and Complications
Possible risks include:
- Wound or urine infection
- Bruising or bleeding
- Narrowing (scarring) of the ureter after healing (rare)
- The repair may not completely fix the problem, although this is uncommon
- In some patients, reflux may later develop in the opposite ureter
Benefits
- Stops urine from flowing back to the kidneys
- Reduces the risk of repeated urinary infections
- Helps protect the kidneys from permanent damage
- Has a high success rate and is considered a safe and effective treatment
Duration of Hospital Stay
- 1-2 days
When to Contact a Doctor
Contact your doctor if you have:
- A high fever
- Repeated vomiting or are unable to drink fluids
- Increasing redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the wound
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, or heavily blood-stained urine
- Severe pain or problems passing urine
Myths and Facts
Ureteric re-implantation is only done after severe kidney damage.
The surgery is often done to prevent kidney damage by stopping urine from flowing back into the kidneys.
Every child with urinary reflux needs surgery.
Many children improve with time or are treated with antibiotics. Surgery is usually recommended when reflux is severe, infections keep coming back, or medicines are not suitable.
The surgery removes or replaces the ureter.
The surgeon keeps the ureter but reconnects it to the bladder in a better position to stop urine from flowing backwards.
Ureteric re-implantation is not very successful.
It is a well-established procedure with a high success rate in treating vesicoureteral reflux and protecting the kidneys.
References
- Urethral stricture. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urethral-stricture/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20556091/ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.
- Uretertic re-implantation. Available from: https://urobop.co.nz/our-services/id/79#:~:text=A%20ureteric%20reimplantation%20is%20an,child%20does%20not%20tolerate%20antibiotics./ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.
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