Ureteric reimplantation

What is a Ureteric Reimplantation?

Ureteric Reimplantation is a surgical procedure where the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder (ureter) is repositioned. The goal is to prevent urine from going upstream into the kidney (refluxing) or relieve a blockage at the lower end of the ureter. One or both ureters may need to be reimplanted.

Why is it performed?

• To treat a condition where the urine flows back up the ureter
• To treat narrowing this structure
• Injury to the ureter
• To treat inherited conditions affecting this organ
• Any infection-related damage to this structure

What is a vesicoureteral reflux?

A vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where pee (urine) flows in the wrong direction. Instead of flowing from your kidneys, down into your ureters and bladder where it stays until you pee, your pee flows backward from your bladder.

Symptoms

• Needing to pee more often
• Burning or pain when peeing
• Pain in their abdomen or lower back (flank pain)
• Only a peeing a few drops at a time
• Cloudy pee or pee that smells bad

Causes

• Problems with the valves in the ureter
• Blockage or narrowing of the ureter

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Based on the occurrence of symptoms

Treatment

• Medicines
• Antibiotics to treat any infections which might occur
• Surgery like placing an implant
• Catheter placement

What happens before a ureteric reimplantation?

Before the surgery, your doctor will

• Review your medical history to look for any allergies, or blood-related disorders, what medicines you are using and if you have suffered a urinary tract infection in the past
• Give you specific instruction regarding what you can and cannot eat

What happens during the procedure?

• You are given general anaesthesia and put to sleep
• The urologist will cut into your lower abdomen to reach the ureter
• The repair happens many ways including:
• Removing the affected portion
• Placing the ureter back inside after putting it in a sleeve
• Joining one ureter to another ureter
• Replacing the entire ureter using tissues from your intestines
• A special tube is placed to support the structure and allow it to heal
• A drain is placed near this site to remove any excess accumulated fluid
• A catheter is placed to help you urinate while the place heals
• The incision is closed up

Duration of the procedure: 2-3 hours

What happens after the procedure?

• You will be moved to a recovery room where you will be monitored
• You will stay at the hospital for 2-3 days
• You will be started on a light diet first and slowly made to eat solid foods once you start feeling better
• You will be given specific instructions on recovery and will be sent home the same day
• You will have to attend follow-up appointments

Risks

• Urinary infection
• Infection in the surgical wound
• Decreased kidney function
• Long-term pain
• Bleeding
• Diarrhoea

When to contact your doctor?

• Fever over 101 F
• Bleeding from the surgical site
• Foul smell from the surgical site
• Any leakage of fluid

References

1. Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Ureteric Reimplantation [online]. Available from https://cdn.wchn.sa.gov.au/downloads/WCH/children/urology/ureteric_reimplantation.pdf. Accessed on 16 July 2026
2. Cleveland Clinic. Vesicoureteral Reflux [online]. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5995-vesicoureteral-reflux. Accessed on 16 July 2026
3. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh [online]. Available from https://www.chp.edu/our-services/urology/patient-procedures/ureteral-reimplantation. Accessed on 16 July 2026
4. British Association of Urological Surgeons. Reconstruction of the Ureter [online]. Available from https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/Ureteric%20reconstruction.pdf. Accessed on 16 July 2026