A ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a disorder that arises when a small amount of scar tissue or compression occurs on the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). As the ureter tries to push urine down the tube, the UPJ obstruction limits how fast the urine can travel to the bladder. This means the urine backs up slightly into the kidney. If left unchecked or untreated the obstruction can eventually cause damage to the kidney tissue.

With the help of the Da Vinci Robotic system, the ureter can be disassembled and put back together with very fine sutures with removal of the obstructed area. The sutures absorb with time, and typically a small tube is left inside to allow the area to heal. The tube is taken out by the urologist in the clinic about 2-6 weeks after surgery. The tube is what is called a double- J stent, and is commonly placed for these procedures and kidney stone procedures by urologists every day.

After surgery, patients typically can go home the same day or the next day. The recovery process is expedited due to the small incisions of the robotic system. 

Patients can go back to regular day to day activity as soon as the next day, but are generally discouraged from heavy lifting or heavy exercise for 3 weeks after surgery.