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Urethra Realignment Operation

Lollym
  • 2 replies
  • 40 subscribers
  • 131 views
Hi there,
I’m looking for some advice please.
I had stage 3 kidney cancer and had a tumour and my left kidney removed just over 2 years ago.
At the same I was told my right kidney was compromised due to endometriosis damage. Since then I have required a stent to keep the kidney working - they tried to remove it last July however the kidney failed to drain so I need these changed regularly for life. 
I am being treated for endometriosis now too but we’ve struggled to find a way to manage this with my final option at the moment being the coil which I have in since November but is not relieving symptoms - like past medication I have tried over the past few years, each seem to work for 3-4 months and then I get daily painful cramps and regular bleeding.
I had my most recent stent change last Monday. My consultant mentioned I may want to think about a urethral realignment. He said this would mean no more stents but was a significant operation which would put more pressure on my remaining kidney. I’ve tried to find out more about this through Macmillan and Google searches but haven’t been able to find much out so I wondered if you knew anything about this operations specifically or could point me in the direction of more information on it please.
My urology consultant has said we need to get on top of the endometriosis before we do anything here - I agreed with gynae that I would give the coil a bit more time as I’ve only had it in since November - however I would really like to know more about it. My biggest fear is going from the frying pan into the fire - the stent changes are horrific and I struggle for weeks after this recovering. Moreover having a stent causes ongoing bladder issues which are difficult to manage and the thought of no let up in this is horrendous however I am terrified that I do this operation and then my only kidney packs in as a result of it! I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place!
I would really appreciate any signposting on this topic if possible.
I posted on both the bladder and kidney cancer forums however no one has come forward with any experience of this.
Many thanks in advance,
Kind regards,
Laura 

  • Hello Laura (Lollym)

    My name is George, and I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here on the Macmillan Support Line. I'm sorry to read of all you have been through over the last 2 years with kidney cancer, surgery, endometriosis, and then having to have urethral stents due to difficulties with the kidneys draining and the added complications and distress this has placed upon you.

    Unfortunately, we do not have access to NHS records here at Macmillan. However, I hope the information provided below helps answer your questions regarding urethral realignment surgery.

    There isn't much online information regarding Urethral realignment. However, this procedure falls under a broader procedure called urethroplasty, about which you will find more information online, specifically, Urethral reconstructive surgery. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) produces information that you may find helpful. Bowel and Bladder UK also have a national support line that you can contact regarding problems and procedures such as the one you have mentioned.

    It's vitally important to have all the information you require before making your decision about surgery. You can contact your surgeon's secretary to arrange a further consultation and ask any questions you have.

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

     

    Take care and Kind Regards

    George

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref GHi/PN

  • in reply to George - Macmillan

    Hi George,

     

    Thank you so much for taking the time to come back to me with such a comprehensive and helpful answer. I cant express how appreciated this is as as you can imagine it's quite a decision to make and i've been struggling to find out more.

     

    I will look at the resources you have flagged and take on board all your supportive suggestions.

     

    Many thanks again,

     

    Kind regards,

     

    Laura

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