Ureterectomy

Overview

Mayo Clinic's integrated model of care means that patients who need ureterectomy not only receive fast, accurate evaluations, but also benefit from innovative treatment approaches. Mayo urologists, oncologists, and other specialists work closely together as an integrated treatment team to establish the best surgical plan for the patient's specific needs.

For example, Mayo surgeons and oncologists often collaborate to provide chemotherapy prior to ureterectomy surgery rather than afterwards. Because chemotherapy for urothelial cell cancer can weaken kidney function, patients can better endure chemotherapy before surgery when they still have maximal kidney function. The subsequent surgery can also be more aggressive, because the remaining kidney tissue won't undergo postsurgical chemotherapy.

In addition, our treatment team's extensive experience in diagnosing and imaging urothelial cell cancer helps them quickly determine the treatment approach most likely to preserve urinary function, as well as quality of life, after surgery.

Mayo Clinic surgeons are highly skilled at performing both nephroureterectomy (removal of a kidney, ureter and top section of the bladder) and partial ureterectomy procedures. They pursue minimally invasive surgery whenever possible, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, as well as surgery performed through natural body openings to minimize external scarring.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

Minimally invasive techniques involve smaller incisions and less movement of surgical instruments, limiting outward scarring and reducing surgical and postoperative bleeding. Minimally invasive surgery also results in less risk of infection than traditional open surgery. Your surgical team will opt for minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, taking into account your overall health, type of cancer, and cancer staging.

Read more about ureterectomy at Mayo Clinic.