Everything You Need to Know About Urology Reconstructive Surgery: Types, Procedures & Pelvic Health Benefits

Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology | June 16, 2025

Good pelvic health is essential for overall well-being, especially for those facing challenges like pelvic organ prolapse or bladder dysfunction. That’s where urology reconstructive surgery comes in. With the help of skilled urologists, these procedures restore normal anatomy, improve quality of life, and protect long-term health. In this blog, we’ll explore common types of reconstructive urology, the procedures involved, and the profound pelvic health benefits many patients experience.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly. The decline is often slow and subtle, which means symptoms may not appear until significant damage has already occurred.

The primary role of the kidneys is to remove waste and excess fluids from the body, helping to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes, blood pressure, and other critical functions. As they start to fail, the overall effects are quite damaging. You should know about the signs of chronic kidney disease, as you can miss out on them easily. With the right signs and early diagnosis, you can treat this condition on time.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Our kidneys are vital organs that are located in the lower back area. Some of the main roles of this organ are to purify blood, eliminate waste, and balance fluids,electrolytes in the body. If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys will not function properly. If there is more damage to the organ, it could even lead to kidney failure.

What Is a Reconstructive Urology Procedure?

A reconstructive urology procedure refers to surgeries that repair or replace structures within the urinary and pelvic organs. These are not routine interventions; instead, they tackle complex issues such as trauma, congenital anomalies, cancer-related changes, or prolapse. The aim is to restore form and function, relieve symptoms, and enhance pelvic health; empowering people to live freely and confidently again.

Common Types of Urology Reconstructive Surgery

Here are several main categories of reconstructive procedures performed by expert urologists:

• Pelvic organ prolapse repair
• Bladder reconstructive surgery (e.g., augmentation, diversion)
• Urethral reconstruction (e.g., urethroplasty)
• Male genital reconstruction (e.g., hypospadias correction, penile implants)
• Urinary fistula repair (e.g., following childbirth or pelvic surgery)

Let’s take a look at a few that most directly improve pelvic health and are commonly performed by urologists.

1. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs (like the bladder, uterus, or bowel) descend due to weakened support tissues. This can cause pressure, discomfort, urinary leakage, or bowel issues. Reconstruction may involve:

• Native tissue repair: Where a patient’s own ligaments are tightened or reinforced.
• Mesh-augmented repair: Using synthetic or biological grafts to support weakened areas.
• Minimally invasive approaches: Laparoscopic or robotic techniques for quicker recovery and less pain.

Restoring pelvic support can eliminate pressure, reduce urinary problems, and enhance bladder and bowel control.

2. Bladder Reconstructive Surgery

Also called reconstructive bladder surgery, these procedures repair or rebuild the bladder using tissue (often intestine) when it can no longer store or expel urine properly. Reasons include congenital abnormalities, cancer, radiation damage, or neurological injury.

Types include:

• Bladder augmentation: Enlarging bladder capacity using intestinal segments.
• Continent urinary diversion: Such as the Mitrofanoff procedure, which creates a catheterizable channel to the bladder.
• Ileal conduit diversion: Reroutes urine to an external stoma bag when bladder reconstruction isn’t feasible.

Success in these procedures depends on careful patient selection, surgical expertise, and long-term follow-up to maintain healthy continence and prevent complications.

3. Urethral Reconstruction

Urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra) can cause weak flow, infections, and pain. Urethroplasty is a surgical reconstruction performed by urologists, offering high long-term success compared to repeated dilations or stents. Techniques range from:

• Short tissue excisions and primary repair (end-to-end).
• Graft substitution: Using buccal (cheek) mucosa for longer strictures.
• Tissue transfer methods: To rebuild the urethra with healthy lining.

Benefits include improved urine flow, fewer infections, and better bladder emptying; contributing to overall pelvic comfort and function.

4. Male Genital and Fistula Repairs

Trauma or congenital conditions, like hypospadias in children, may require male genital reconstruction. Likewise, urologists repair urinary fistulas, abnormal connections between urinary organs and vaginal or rectal tissues, which cause continuous leakage and infection.

These delicate surgeries restore normal urinary pathways and help return patients to full social, sexual, and pelvic health.

Metallic taste in mouth and bad breath

When there is accumulated waste in your blood, a state which is referred to as uraemia, it can result in a foul taste in your mouth. This can result in bad breath and an altered taste in food. Individuals can also lose their appetite for food and experience nausea upon consumption of food. Some of the typical experiences include food tasting abnormal, bad breath despite proper oral hygiene, and loss of appetite for food you once liked.

What Is the Most Common Surgery for a Urologist?

While urologists perform a wide range of procedures, some of the most frequently performed include:

• Urethroplasty – for urethral strictures.
• Prostate surgeries – for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), though these focus on symptoms rather than anatomical reconstruction.
• Pelvic organ prolapse repair – in women with significant descent of pelvic organs.
• Bladder augmentation/diversion – for severe bladder dysfunction or damage.

So, while no single procedure dominates reconstructive cases, urethroplasty and prolapse repairs are among the most commonly performed by reconstructive urologists in clinical practice.

What Is Reconstructive Bladder Surgery?

Reconstructive bladder surgery refers to any procedure that restores bladder capacity or function. The most common types include:

• Bladder augmentation, which increases storage space and lowers pressure to protect kidney function.
• Urinary diversions, such as continent stomas or ileal conduits, allow alternative channels for urine when the bladder is compromised.

These surgeries are life-changing for individuals suffering from chronic incontinence, neurogenic bladder, or bladder damage. They provide dignity, protection of kidney health, and independence in daily life.

What Is the Success Rate of Bladder Reconstruction Surgery?

Outcomes for bladder reconstruction are generally positive, but depend on the type:

• Bladder augmentation: Success rates range from 75% to 90%, based on improved storage, continence, and renal protection.
• Continent diversions (Mitrofanoff, etc.): See continence success rates of 80–90% in well-selected patients.
• Ileal conduits: Durable and effective, though they require lifelong care of an external stoma.

Long-term results depend on surgical skill, patient adherence to follow-up care, and monitoring for complications like stones, strictures, or infections. With proper support, these reconstructions often deliver lasting pelvic health gains.

Pelvic Health Benefits of Reconstructive Urology

Reconstructive procedures are more than surgical; it’s about restoring a sense of self. Benefits include:

• Improved continence – better management of bladder and bowel control.
• Reduced pain and pressure – especially in prolapse or fistula cases.
• Enhanced sexual function – anatomically supportive reconstruction can restore confidence and comfort.
• Preserved kidney health – lower bladder pressure protects upper urinary tracts.
• Elevated quality of life – reduced infections, greater mobility, and return to daily routines without fear or limitation.
• Psychological relief – many patients report improved mental health once anatomical and functional restoration occurs.

Why Choose the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology?

At the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, our surgeons specialize in advanced reconstructive urology. We combine surgical precision, minimally invasive technology, and a team approach to restore urinary health, dignity, and vitality. Our expertise spans pelvic organ prolapse repair, bladder reconstruction, urethral surgery, and genital repairs. We focus on anatomical restoration and long-term pelvic health, helping patients reclaim a full, confident life.

Frequently Asked Questions