A Planned Surgery

Yesterday, Chris and I took Jett to Children's Hospital for a day of testing.  We were there nearly 7 hours and had blood pressures taken, bloodwork drawn, an ultrasound, DMSA, and a meeting with the urologist.  It was a full and stressful day, but we know a little more now.

First of all, the DMSA test was the big one for the day.  Radioactive material was injected into Jett's veins (which are tiny and apparently really difficult to find) and three hours later, he slept on a mat under a big camera while pictures were taken of his kidneys.  Somehow, the test is able to compare how much each kidney is working compared to the other one.  Out of 100% of function, Jett's left kidney is doing 80% of the work and the right is 20%.  Dr. Lee even speculated that he is doubtful that the right kidney is even doing that much.  We don't know how well Jett's kidneys are working in comparison to normal functioning kidneys, just in comparison to each other. 

Apparently doctors think that a kidney that is doing 20% of the work is worth saving and even though Jett's right one might not be doing that much, Dr. Lee thinks it is worth saving to see what happens after the initial surgery.  He thinks he will eventually have to go in to do work on the left kidney and can remove the right one later, if necessary.  So, for now, Jett will be keeping both kidneys.

 The DMSA also clearly showed that the top part of the right kidney wasn't the only contributing factor to filling the ureterocele in Jett's bladder.  Because it is receiving fluid from both ureters on that side, it no longer makes sense to remove the top portion of the right kidney in order to drain the ureterocele (which was the thought from last visit).  This leaves the other option: incise the ureterocele from the inside.  It will be a minimally invasive surgery where Dr. Lee will enter Jett's body through his urethra and basically cut a slit or hole in the ureterocele which will then cause it to deflate.

We don't really know how Jett's kidneys will respond.  There is a possibility that it could reduce the reflux going back up to the left kidney, although that is unlikely.  It could also start reflux going up to the right.  We really can't predict what will happen, but we do know that we need to take care of the ureterocele soon and remove that obstruction from Jett's body.

The surgery is scheduled for January 22.  It will most likely be the first of several surgeries.  I am scared to start taking this path (which only makes this all a reality), but I know we need to do it soon.  Jett will be 2 months old.