Treatment - Ureter disorders

Bacterial Infection (Pyelonephritis)

Treatment is by antibiotics, either by mouth or by injection or intravenous route.

It is surgically correctible by a procedure known as pyeloplasty.

If the stone is less than 5mm in diameter, 95% will pass in a matter of days.
It can also be removed telescopically, if the stone is lodged at the lower end of the ureter and is not too big, (larger stones can be broken down). The instrument, known as an “ureteroscope” is passed up into the ureter through the urethra, and bladder. The stone is caught in a “basket” and then withdrawn, along with the ureteroscope from the body. This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.
It can be broken up by shock-wave treatment known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or (ESWL) in which case the fragments of stone are then passed out in the urine.
Failing the above, the stone has to be removed through an operation known as Open Removal, where, under a general anaesthetic, an incision is made through the upper abdominal wall, and through the ureter itself, to remove the stone. However this is a rare operation these days).

Treatment is usually with antibiotics.

Treatment is with medication or surgery:

Medication would be in the form of alpha- adrenergic blockers (e.g. Doxazosin) which cause muscle relaxation of the prostate and bladder, and ease the flow of urine; and 5- alpha reductase inhibitors (such as Finasteride) which shrink the prostate gland.
Surgery involves resection of part of the prostate gland, and the most usual procedure is a trans- urethral resection of the prostate (TURP). An endoscope (a flexible tube which allows viewing) is passed up through the urethra and part of the prostate gland is removed through that. Normally the procedure takes place under spinal anaesthetic. Complications include infection, bleeding and incontinence, which can occur permanently in 1% of men.

Treatment is usually with antibiotics.

Amended June 2008