Before reading this section, please refer to General instructions after surgery in this section of the website.

Ureteral reimplantation entails reconfiguring the attachment of the ureter to the bladder so as to prevent the backflow of urine during bladder contraction. The purpose of the operation is to decrease the risk of kidney infection.

After reimplantation surgery, your child will stay in the hospital, usually for two days. The recovery is particularly helped if your child has a regional anesthetic for post-operative pain control. The incision will be a "bikini cut," and a small drain will be used to vent fluid that may accumulate around the bladder after surgery. This will be removed prior to discharge from the hospital. You can expect some ongoing drainage from the drain site, usually for a day or two. As long as there is drainage, your child should not sit in a bathtub. Showers are permitted, provided your child stands with his or her back to the shower head.

Because the abdomen is opened during the operation, there is some risk of developing a hernia after surgery. The risk is very low, but it is important that your child not do anything vigorous for six weeks after surgery, with the first four weeks being critical to good healing. If your child is very young, it obviously will be impossible to control him or her at all times. Do the best you can. Climbing and lifting heavy toys can be prevented.

Your child will be seen back in the office about six weeks after surgery for an ultrasound to verify that the kidneys are draining well and that there is no evidence of infection. If your child has had any back pain or flank discomfort, please inform us at that visit. Swelling after surgery can occasionally cause sluggish drainage from the kidney for a period of time. At the six week visit, your child will be released to full activity. A plan will be formulated at that time for ongoing use of prophylactic antibiotics and a possible follow-up VCUG to assess the results of the operation.