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Ureteral Reimplant: Before Your Child's Surgery

What is a ureteral reimplant?

A ureteral (say "you-REE-tur-ul") reimplant is surgery to change the way a ureter connects to the bladder. The ureter is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

When a ureter does not connect to the bladder correctly, urine can go backward from the bladder into the kidney. This can cause infections and kidney damage. Surgery helps prevent these problems.

Your child will be asleep during the surgery. First, the doctor makes a cut in your child's lower belly. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor takes the ureter out of the bladder. Next, he or she connects it in a different place so urine cannot go backwards into the kidneys. Then the doctor closes the incision with stitches. The incision leaves a scar that usually fades with time.

Most children go home 2 to 4 days after surgery.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that the surgery will help make your child's bladder healthier. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
Tell the doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.

The day before surgery

A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the surgery may be cancelled. If the doctor told you to have your child take his or her medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
Your child may brush his or her teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
Be sure your child has something that reminds him or her of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery centre

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by an anesthesia provider. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.
The surgery will take 2 to 4 hours.
After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor his or her condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
Your child will have a tube that drains urine from his or her bladder. This is called a urinary catheter.
Your child will have a tube near the incision to drain fluids.
You will probably be able to take your child home in 2 to 4 days.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.
You don't understand how to prepare your child for the surgery.
Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.