Q: I am a 22-year-old male. What are the precautions that should be taken before and after Pyeloplasty (UPJ obstruction). Is there any problem in any part of body after operation?

A:Pyeloplasty is a type of reconstructive surgery performed at the junction of the outflow tract of the kidney called pelvis and the ureter. The goal of the surgery is to relieve the obstruction at the site. At least 1 week prior to the surgery, it is advisable not to take common pain medications including aspirin, ibuprofen (Brufen), diclofenac (Voveran) and nimesulide (Nimulid) since these can increase the risk of bleeding during the surgery. Surgery usually takes couple of hours or so and one is discharged in 2-3 days time if stable. Occasionally, the surgeon may place a stent at the obstructed site during the surgery, which is usually removed a week later. Also, kidney catheter tube called a nephrostomy may also be placed during the surgery which stays for 10 to 12 days before being removed at an office setting. Patients during post-operative course are managed for pain while follow-up blood tests and imaging studies of the kidney and the urinary tract are performed to study the function and the anatomy of the kidney. In addition to the common complications of any surgical intervention like bleeding (which is rare) and infection (for which one is administered a broad spectrum antibiotic prior to the surgery as a preventive measure), there are no major complications of Pyeloplasty.