Ureteral stent insertion
A stent is a thin tube that can be placed through the bladder up to the kidney. It is used to relieve blockage of the ureter, so that urine can pass from the kidney effectively. The blockage may be due to stricture (scar tissue) in the ureter, stones, or extrinsic compression (something pressing on the ureter).
Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
This is done for stones in the ureter and involves insertion of a small telescope through the urethra and bladder up the ureter. A laser fiber can be passed through this telescope and used to break up the stone.
Segmental ureterectomy
Some cancers of the ureter can be treated by removing the affected segment and re-joining the two healthy ends together.
Ureteral reimplantation
When the ureter is damaged or injured, surgery may be required to repair or remove the affected segment, enabling a way for urine to easily pass from the kidney to the bladder.
There are several different techniques employed to do this, including:
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Uretero-ureterostomy: Removing the damaged part of ureter and joining the two healthy ends together.
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Ureteroneocystostomy: Taking the healthy part of the ureter (above the damaged part) and plugging it directly into the bladder Psoas hitch: Pulling the bladder up to the psoas muscle so the shortened ureter can be connected to it
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Boari flap: Using a part of the bladder to make a tube that can be connected to the healthy part of the ureter
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Ileal interposition: Using a segment of bowel (ileum) to connect the kidney to the bladder
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Auto-transplantation: Moving the kidney within the body to bring it closer, and more easily connected to, the bladder
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