Pyeloplasty: Caring for your child at home after the procedure

Your child has had a pyeloplasty. This brochure explains how to care for your child at home after the procedure, and when to call for help.

What is a pyeloplasty?

A pyeloplasty is an operation that unblocks the ureters where they meet the kidneys. The ureters are tubes that take urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The kidneys can be damaged if urine does not flow properly into the ureters.

Tips for helping your child get well at home

Your child will need to return to the urology clinic to make sure they are getting healthy. Before your child goes home from the hospital, a nurse should speak to you about arranging a follow-up appointment at the clinic. Some hospitals will send you a letter letting you know when the appointment is. If no-one at the hospital talks to you about a follow-up appointment, ask the nurse.

Medicines and diet

Before your child leaves hospital, your nurse will explain the medicines your child will take at home. Your child needs to take the medicine exactly as you are told, until the doctor says it is all right to stop.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Your child can eat anything they would normally eat.

Bandage and bathing

Change your child's bandage every day for the first three days after they get home. After the third day, your child does not need a bandage.

Your child can probably take normal baths when they get home. Check with your nurse about this before you leave hospital.

Activities and school

It is normal for your child to need extra rest during the first few days at home.

Your child may go back to school one week after leaving the hospital. Your child should not go to gym class until the follow-up appointment.

Your child should avoid rough play or contact sports until your follow-up appointment.

At SickKids

Supporting your child

When preparing your child for an operation, the urology team recommends that whenever possible, your child and family members attend the Pre-Admission Program offered at SickKids. For more information call 416-813-6150 or visit the website at www.sickkids.ca

A Child Life Specialist can also help to prepare and support your child if they are anxious about the operation.

Useful websites

www.sickkids.ca

www.aboutkidshealth.ca

www.cua.org