A kidney that can't drain is a kidney at risk. Robotic pyeloplasty fixes the problem at its source.
Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a blockage where the kidney's urine collection system meets the ureter. It can be congenital or acquired. Untreated, it causes flank pain, recurrent infection, and progressive kidney damage. Robotic pyeloplasty rebuilds the drainage anatomy and is the modern standard of care, with success rates over 95% in published series.
How it presents and how we diagnose it
Flank pain, especially with diuresis, is the most common symptom. Diagnosis combines imaging (CT or MRI urography) with a diuretic renal scan to confirm functional obstruction and quantify how the affected kidney is performing.
Robotic pyeloplasty
The narrowed segment is removed and the ureter is reconnected to the renal pelvis with a wider, lower-tension anastomosis. A temporary stent supports healing and is removed in the office four to six weeks later.
Most patients leave the hospital the next day. Long-term success — measured by symptom resolution and functional improvement on follow-up imaging — exceeds 95% in published series.
Common questions
Can the kidney be saved if function is already reduced?
Often, yes. Even kidneys with reduced split function can stabilize or improve after the obstruction is fixed, particularly when treated before significant scarring sets in.