Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Interested in ureter repair options

Hi jdubs! I, unlike you, had a very high grade tumor in my ureter, so it was an easy choice to have my left kidney and ureter removed. Your doctor may be concerned that the cancer will return in your ureter and that's why they want it removed instead of just removing a section of it. Of course without a ureter you have no way for your kidney to drain so, that's why it has to be removed. I have lived a pretty normal life with just one kidney! The main problem I'm having right now is my kidney seems to go into overdrive during the night if I don't watch how much I drink in the evening. Yes, I am now a bed wetter. Not every night like I said, depends on how much I drink during the evening. But, when I'm sooo thirsty or am hardly peeing, I drink more. Then BOOM! It all comes flooding out at once after I'm asleep. It's very annoying. Anyway, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask. Have a great weekend!

My husband had complications after a radical cystectomy and neobladder formation for aggressive bladder cancer. His one kidney was damaged by a blocked ureter from the surgery and we saw different ureter specialists at Mayo Clinic Rochester where all his surgeries were performed. Dr. Boyd Viers was able to reattach the open ureter to the neobladder. I can imagine that location of the tumor makes a difference as to the option of surgery to remove tumor and repair ureter. Perhaps you can get your information to a referral center ureter specialist for a second opinion? In the long run, it is better to be living with one functional kidney and no cancer if you can be cancer free. Good luck.

Hi Colleen-- Thanks for the reply. I am scheduled for 11/27 with Dr. Lyon. He did mention ureter repair, but I really do not clearly understand why my case is open to that option. I really am worried about the loss of my healthy kidney.

John

Welcome, @jdubs, I'm tagging fellow members like @podrunner1 @lrwants2know @amyb5 @jcefly @sepdvm @mshel613 who have experience with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Living after Kidney Removal From UTUC
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-after-kidney-removal-from-utuc/
When will you be having surgery? Did your surgeon explain further why ureteral repair is not an option?

I have been diagnosed with UTUC with a low-grade tumor in my right ureter. Instead of a lifelong schedule of ablation and uteroscopy, I am choosing to have the ureter and kidney removed. But wondering about uteral repair/splicing. My doctor says this is not a good option. Any insights into ureter repair treatments? My kidney is healthy and hate to lose it.