Ureteral reconstruction

What are the symptoms of ureteral blockage or reflux?

Every child is different, but symptoms can include any of the following:

• urinary tract infections
• blood in the urine
• burning sensation with urination
• back or stomach pain
• trouble with urination (urgency, dribbling, wetting)
• fever

How will my child's ureteral blockage or reflux be diagnosed?

Your child's doctor may use one or more of the following tests:

• computed tomography (CT) scan
• x-ray
• radiologic test called a VCUG (voiding cystourethrography)
• for more on diagnosis of reflux, see the page on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

How will my child's ureteral blockage or reflux be treated?

At Boston Children's Hospital, we perform state-of-the-art robotic surgery for ureteral reconstruction.

• Ureteral reconstruction is performed to remove blockages in the ureter and allow urine to flow properly. Surgeons disconnect the ureter from the bladder, remove the blockage and then reimplant the ureter.
• When reflux is severe enough to require surgery, it is treated by adding more muscle (taken from the bladder) around the ureter to prevent urine from traveling back up and damaging the kidney. The ureter may also be surgically re-positioned (reimplanted) in the bladder wall.
• Instruments are inserted into the abdomen through small punctures and are used to perform the reconstructive procedures under the guidance of a small camera, also inserted through an incision.

What is the long-term outlook for my child?

Most children who have ureteral reconstructions go on to achieve normal urinary function.