Open pyeloplasty

[pixley]

My ds aged 10 months has a partially blocked kidney and a scan last week shows that the function has been affected. I saw the surgeon yesterday who states he needs an open pyeloplasty which has been booked for 3 weeks time. Unfortunately this is the week after I return to work from my maternity leave - talk about bad timing. Does anyone else have experience of this operation? I know it will involve a 2 night hospital stay but would like to know how a child's recovery is. I'm trying to plan how much unpaid leave to take, don't want to use annual leave as I don't think it will be much of a holiday.

Hi @pixley, I found your post as I am looking for advice ahead of my 1yo's pyeloplasty. We have been told to pack for 2-3 nights in hospital but nothing about the recovery and I have so many questions. How much pain will he be in? How will his movement be affected (my LO is extremely active and busy)? Will he be able to sleep? What drugs will he be given afterwards? How long until we can do things like go swimming again? Any advice would be very gratefully received!

Hi bakingdemon,
It was a few years ago now but this is my recollection. I think he was in hospital for 2 nights. Was sent home on regular paracetamol. Make a really quick recovery and I think was doing everything in a few weeks. I suspect it would be about 3-4 weeks for swimming. What was most amazing was the change in his overall condition - he was much calmer and happier - made me think that he had been in chronic pain for all his life. Best thing we ever did - children are very resilient and make very speedy recoveries. He is now a v healthy 9 year old and did an aquathlon 5 weeks after having his appendix out in the summer. Hope that reassures you - good luck.

Thank you, that's v reassuring. Typical doctors, only able to talk to you about the operation itself and not the bit which we parents can actually do!