Pyeloplasty is a procedure done for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction, a blockage of urine flow from the kidney to the ureter.  With pyeloplasty, the blocked portion of the ureter is removed and the ureter is then reattached to the kidney to allow urine drainage.  Pyeloplasty can be done by open or laparoscopic surgery.

In laparoscopic pyeloplasty the surgeon makes three small (1 cm) incisions in the upper abdomen over the affected kidney.  The surgeon then uses special instruments to carefully disconnect the ureter from the kidney, remove the blockage, then reattach the ureter to the kidney to restore urine flow.

Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic pyeloplasty shortens hospital stay, minimizes post-operative discomfort, is more cosmetic, and speeds return to normal activity.  The success rates of laparoscopic pyeloplasty equal those of open surgery with considerably less discomfort and disability.