Overview of the Condition
What Is Ureteropelvic-Junction-Obstruction?
Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a blockage where the kidney connects to the tube (ureter) that carries urine to the bladder. Because of this blockage, urine cannot drain properly from the kidney. Urine may build up inside the kidney, causing it to swell (hydronephrosis). If left untreated, the blockage can damage the kidney over time.
Why is it Important?
UPJ obstruction is important because it can stop or slow the normal flow of urine from the kidney. If urine stays trapped in the kidney for a long time, it can lead to:
- Kidney swelling
- Repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Ongoing pain
- Permanent kidney damage or even kidney failure if not treated
Early diagnosis and treatment help protect kidney function and usually lead to a good outcome.
Who is Commonly Affected?
UPJ obstruction most often affects:
- Babies, as it is usually present before birth (a congenital condition)
- Boys more often than girls
- The left kidney more often than the right kidney
It can also occur in adults, although this is less common. In adults, it may develop after kidney stones, infections, surgery, or swelling in the urinary tract.
Symptoms
Some people, especially babies, may have no symptoms and the condition is found during a pregnancy or routine ultrasound. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Pain in the side or back (flank pain)
- A lump or swelling in the abdomen
- Urinary tract infection (UTI), often with fever
- Blood in the urine
- Kidney stones
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor growth or delayed development in some children
Procedure Overview and Preparation
What is Lap Pyeloplasty and Why is it Done?
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat a blockage where the kidney joins the ureter (the tube that carries urine to the bladder). The surgeon removes the blocked or narrowed part and reconnects the healthy ends so urine can flow normally.
It is done to:
- Relieve the blockage and improve urine flow
- Reduce pain caused by the blockage
- Prevent repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Protect the kidney from permanent damage
- Help preserve normal kidney function
Procedure Overview
Step-by-step
During laparoscopic pyeloplasty:
- You are given general anesthesia, so you are asleep during the surgery
- The surgeon makes a few small cuts in the abdomen
- A tiny camera and special surgical instruments are inserted through these cuts
- The blocked part of the ureter is removed
- The healthy ureter is reattached to the kidney
- A temporary ureteral stent is usually placed to help urine drain while the area heals
- The small cuts are then closed
Time required
- 2 to 3 hours
Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay
Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, laparoscopic pyeloplasty has some risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Leakage of urine from the repair site
- Injury to nearby organs or blood vessels
- Scarring or the blockage coming back (rare)
- Risks related to general anesthesia
Benefits
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty offers several benefits:
- Restores normal urine flow from the kidney.
- Relieves pain and other symptoms.
- Helps prevent kidney damage.
- Has a high success rate (about 95%).
- Small incisions usually mean less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared with open surgery
Duration of Hospital Stay
- 1 to 2 days
When to Contact a Doctor
Contact your doctor if you have:
- Fever or chills.
- Increasing pain that is not relieved by medicines
- Redness, swelling, or pus from the incision
- Heavy bleeding
- Difficulty passing urine
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Persistent blood in the urine or worsening urinary symptoms after surgery
Myths and Facts
Pyeloplasty is always a major open surgery.
Most pyeloplasty procedures today are done using minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) techniques with small cuts, which usually means less pain and a quicker recovery.
Pyeloplasty removes the kidney.
No. The surgery removes the blocked or narrowed part of the tube (ureter) and reconnects it to the kidney so urine can drain normally, helping preserve the kidney.
Recovery from pyeloplasty takes many months.
Most people recover within 1–2 weeks and can return to their usual activities in about 3–4 weeks, depending on their doctor's advice.
Pyeloplasty doesn't work very well.
Pyeloplasty is highly successful. It improves urine flow and relieves symptoms in about 95% of children and adults with UPJ obstruction.
References
- Uteropelvic junction obstruction. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16596-ureteropelvic-junction-obstruction/ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.
- Pyeloplasty. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/16545-pyeloplasty/ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.
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