Incision of the urethral opening through the urethra (transurethral)
Transurethral ureterocele surgery is an incision in the opening of the urethra, which is performed through the urethra without opening the abdominal wall. Surgery helps make the urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder unhindered.
What is a ureterocele?
A ureterocele is a cyst-like (fluid-filled) bulge of the urethra inside the bladder.
How does the ureterocele develop?
The formation of the ureterocele can be explained by developmental causes. The urethra enters the bladder normally through a wider opening. If this opening narrows for any reason (which is most often caused by a developmental problem), a point-like opening develops and the flow of the urine into the bladder becomes difficult. As a result of stagnant urine, the lower section of the urethra running in the bladder wall bulges out.
What are the symptoms of ureterocele?
Urethelocele is asymptomatic in 80-90% of the cases and is most commonly detected by abdominal ultrasound.
Narrowing of the urethral opening is most often indicated by the following complaints:
- frequent urge to urinate
- feeling abdominal discomfort
- dull or cramping abdominal pain
- dull or convulsive pain of the kidney on the same side
- fever due to infection caused by stagnation
Based on the complaints, the urologist will determine the lesion using a pelvic ultrasound or pelvic CT scan.
How can ureterocele be treated?
The bulge caused by the ureterocele on the inner wall of the bladder can only be treated surgically. With the incision of the opening, the narrowing between the urethra and the bladder disappears and urine flow is restored.
When is surgery warranted?
Because conservative therapy (e.g. medications) cannot be used for ureterocele, ureterocele surgery through the urethra is strongly recommended because the lesion causes damage to kidney function in the long term.
What happens during transurethral ureterocele surgery?
Transurethral ureterocele surgery is performed under general anaesthesia or near spinal anaesthesia.
The urologist performing the surgery inserts a surgical endoscope (resectoscope) through the urethra into the bladder.
Using the camera at the end of the device, the surgeon scans the bladder and then inserts a special pin into the tiny opening in the edge of the ureter.
The resectoscope is then used to make an incision in the opening of the ureterocoele.
The surgeon alleviates any bleeding that may occur, leaving a catheter in the bladder to allow urine to pass through.
What are the dangers of surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, transurethral ureterocele surgery can have dangers and complications. General risks of medical intervention, such as infections, post-bleeding, etc. may occur. The chances of developing complications are greatly influenced by what previous bladder surgeries have taken place.
However, the frequency of complications is negligible relative to the number of surgeries performed.
What can I expect after the surgery?
After the procedure, there may be mild pain around the bladder.
The bladder catheter inserted during surgery is removed the day after surgery. Medication should be used as directed by a doctor to prevent infections and reduce pain.
You can leave our hospital the day after the operation, after your doctor informs you about the further possibilities and course of the treatment.
What can it cause if left untreated?
Failure to perform surgery is not life-threatening, however, the discovered ureterocele may adversely affect renal function later due to obstruction of urine flow on the same side, therefore surgery is strongly recommended.
What is included in the price of ureterocele surgery at Medicover Hospital?
The price of transurethral ureterocele surgery includes the cost of the surgery as well as the cost of the hospital stay after the surgery and the follow-up examination.
The cost of the the preliminary specialist consultation and the pre-operative examinations is not part of the surgical price, please inquire about the cost of these by contacting our Call Center.
Convenience services
We accommodate our clients in a modern, pleasant, air-conditioned single room. Each room has a private bathroom, fridge and TV, as well as free WIFI access. We also provide our clients with individual nurse supervision, who will help your continuous recovery during your stay.
