Hi all, wondered if anyone has any experience with reimplantation of a ureter surgery? I had Cystectomy surgery September 2024, but unfortunately developed a stricture (narrowing) in my left ureter which led to recurrent / constant left kidney infection.
The solution for this was a nephrostomy initially, wherein a stent / catheter tube was inserted through my back into my left kidney, then the stent implanted through the left ureter and out my stoma into my Urostomy bag. This stent / catheter tube has to be regularly replaced. Recently this became blocked at 10 weeks (replacement schedule was 12 weeks) causing another left kidney infection. The hospital were great, fitted me in for replacement within 48 hours but were very keen that I should consider / have open surgery to reimplant the left ureter, so that a stent / catheter is not needed (obviously I will still have the stoma & Urostomy bag).
I understand that I am at greater risk of UTI’s with this catheter / stent, but when this option was first offered I turned it down as I felt the risk of open surgery (for something that wasn’t causing any issues, bar the mild inconvenience of attending the hospital for regular replacements) outweighed any benefit. If patients are older the hospital doesn’t tend to push this surgery, but as I’m relatively young (54) they said they could be replacing my tube for the next 40 years (hooray if I’m that lucky!!). I’m sure part of the hospital thinking is cost - I’m obviously pretty expensive for them (each 10 week visit I use up a Radiology operating theatre, with 1 consultant and 3 nursing staff), and am unsure if this is a sensible choice for me to opt for another massive operation?
I have read an educational article stating that life expectancy was greater for patients who had this big operation, but wonder if this is a self-selecting sample - older patients won’t have this operation, younger patients will (who would obviously be expected to live longer due to their younger age).
Thanks in advance Gareth
Hi Age52BladderC . Not come across this procedure before but it sounds interesting. Must be a difficult choice for you. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.
