PUJ Repair

Pyeloplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a blockage or narrowing at the junction where the ureter meets the kidney.

Pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is a condition known that can impede the flow of urine, leading to complications such as hydronephrosis (enlargement of the kidney), pain, stone formation or repeated kidney infections.

Robotic PUJ repair or “pyeloplasty” utilizes minimally invasive robotic technology to repair the blockage and reconstruct the kidney. The narrow segment at the PUJ is often removed and the kidney is reconstructed to allow free drainage of urine. An internal stent is placed to assist the healing process which usually remains for 6 weeks. This is easily removed with a quick procedure under local anaesthetic.

Figure 1. PUJ repair – excision of stenotic PUJ segment and suture repair over ureteric stent.

Robotic surgery uses smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery leading to reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Open surgery is sometimes still required for complex cases. At Sydney Urology Group, Dr. Leslie and Dr. Mehan both offer robotic and open pyeloplasty in the public and private hospital system.