Ureteric reconstruction for the management of transplant ureteric stricture: a decade of experience from a single centre

Single-port robotic-assisted ureteral reconstruction for management of strictures after renal transplantation

Ureteral strictures are a common and often challenging complication of renal transplantation. The use of single-port (SP) robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is a novel approach in the management of these patients. Here we describe 3 patients with stricture of the transplant ureter causing hydronephrosis and allograft dysfunction, whose ureteral reconstructions were successfully performed using the SP robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. Two patients underwent transplant-to-native ureteroureterostomy and 1 patient underwent ureteroneocystostomy. We demonstrate that the use of concurrent ureteroscopy and near-infrared fluorescence enables safe and rapid identification of native and transplant ureters. In addition, side-to-side anastomosis of transplant-to-native ureters allows for preservation of ureteral vasculature. In this limited series, the SP robotic platform demonstrates great promise in simplifying and streamlining our approach to ureteral strictures in this patient population.

Post-Transplant Ureteric Stricture Managed By Extra-Anatomical Stenting With Modification on the Originally Described Stent Location: A Case Report

Ureteric strictures are a relatively uncommon complication following renal transplant, which may be managed endoscopically or surgically by repairing the stricture. Extra-anatomical bypass is a useful procedure in complex cases that bypasses the ureter by creating a subcutaneous route, although it is uncommonly used given its rare indication. We report a case of renal transplant ureteric stricture, in which we utilized a modified extra-anatomical stenting technique with a Detour® stent to avoid the fibrotic planes surrounding the lateral aspect of the kidney graft.

Perfect outcome of kidney recipients with ureteral stenosis after treatment with open surgery under magnetic resonance urography localization

Background

To evaluate the outcome of kidney recipients with ureteral stenosis after treatment with open surgery under magnetic resonance urography (MRU) localization.

Methods

We assessed 2,256 consecutive kidney transplant recipients between October 2010 and December 2018. Ureteral stenosis was detected by ultrasound, confirmed and positioned by Magnetic Resonance Urography. All patients underwent open ureteral reconstruction. The ureteral stenosis was located according to the location on the MRU during the operation. Surgical complications and recurrence rate were recorded in the stenosis group. Outcomes were compared with those of a matched control group of transplant recipients with no history of ureteric stenosis.

Results

The incidence of ureteral stenosis in our center was 3.1% (70/2,256). Sixty-four cases (91.4%) were confirmed to have distal stenosis and were reconstructed with ureterovesical re-implantation; six cases (8.6%) were confirmed to have mid-distal stenosis and were subjected to ureteroureterostomy with the use of native ureter. The overall success rate was 100% and the graft function was salvaged in all cases. There was no recurrence of stenosis after a mean follow-up of 38.9±26.3 months. The complication rate was 5.7%. The 110-month graft survival and patient survival were not significantly different between the stenosis and control groups.Conclusions: MRU is an effective method for non-invasive and accurate diagnosis of ureteral stenosis in kidney transplant recipients. Open ureteral reconstruction surgery under MRU localization for treatment of ureter stenosis after kidney transplantation had a high success rate, low recurrence rate and high safety.

Impact of ureteral stricture and treatment choice on long-term graft survival in kidney transplantation

We aimed to evaluate the influence of urological complications occurring within the first year after kidney transplantation on long-term patient and graft outcomes, and sought to examine the impact of the management approach of ureteral strictures on long-term graft function. We collected data on urological complications occurring within the first year posttransplant. Graft survivals, patient survival, and rejection rates were compared between recipients with and without urological complications. Male gender of the recipient, delayed graft function, and donor age were found to be significant risk factors for urological complications after kidney transplantation (P < .05). Death censored graft survival analysis showed that only ureteral strictures had a negative impact on long-term graft survival (P = .0009) compared to other complications. Death censored graft survival was significantly shorter in kidney recipients managed initially with minimally invasive approach when compared to the recipients with no stricture (P = .001). However, graft survival was not statistically different in patients managed initially with open surgery (P = .47). Ureteral strictures following kidney transplantation appear to be strongly negatively correlated with long-term graft survival. Our analysis suggests that kidney recipients with ureteral stricture should be managed initially with open surgery, with better long-term graft survival.

Preperitoneal Surgical Approach to Treat Vesicoureteral Anastomotic Leakage, Distal Stenosis or Reflux After Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

If endourological approaches are not applicable to treat vesicoureteral anastomotic complications after kidney transplantation, the surgical gold standard in many transplant centers is pyeloureterostomy or ureteroureterostomy using the native ureter. We report an original preperitoneal technique that can be used for vesicoureteral reanastomosis in kidney transplant recipients not eligible for endourological treatment.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and December 2015, 18 kidney transplant recipients underwent this new surgical procedure. Of this number, 15 subjects with at least 1 year of follow-up were included in the analysis. The indications were vesicoureteral reflux, anastomotic stenosis, and leakage in 8, 5, and 2 patients, respectively. Briefly, a double J stent was preoperatively inserted into the grafted ureter. Surgery was performed through a Pfannenstiel incision. The preperitoneal space surrounding the bladder was dissected and the distal part of the grafted ureter was identified and mobilized. The anastomotic area was resected and another vesicoureteral anastomosis was performed (Lich-Gregoir technique), keeping the JJ stent in place for three weeks.

RESULTS

This procedure was performed 213 days (range 17-2608) after kidney transplantation. Median surgical duration was 179 minutes (range 112-314) and median hospital stay 8 days (range 4-14). The success rate was 86.7% (13/15), with a median follow-up of 1148 days (range 517-1808). In two patients, symptomatic recurrence of vesicoureteral reflux required a pyeloureterostomy using the native ureter.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe a simple technique that avoids transperitoneal dissection, potentially yielding more esthetic results thanks to easy access, as well as excellent outcomes.

High Position of the Third Renal Transplant and Alternative Urinary Tract Reconstruction in a Complicated Case

The decision-making process for treatment of patients with end-stage renal failure, multiple failed renal transplants, and severe comorbidities can be exceedingly difficult due to the inapplicability of many common surgery methods. In this article, we report the treatment of such a patient who underwent a third renal transplant and subsequently developed a ureteral stenosis. The third kidney had been transplanted with a high abdominal position and a partially intra- and retroperitoneally placed ureter due to a bilaterally obtained iliac fossa and severe abdominal adhesions. For the severe ureteric stenosis, an alternative urinary tract reconstruction was developed by making use of the native ureter contralateral to the graft by tunneling under the sigmoid. We recommend this surgical method as a valid alternative for patients with severe ureteric graft stenosis, when treatment with stenting and common surgical ureter reconstruction methods are not feasible.

Endoureteral Management of Renal Graft Ureteral Stenosis by the Use of Long-Term Metal Stent: An Appealing Treatment Option

Background: Ureteral stenosis is part of the common complications of renal graft reported in 3% to 7% of cases. Multiple treatments have been introduced regarding length and position of the stenosis. Metal stents for urologic purpose were created in 1998. Double percutaneous antegrade and transurethral retrograde access to a ureteral stenosis to a long-term metal stent procedure has been rarely described. Case Presentation: Here, we present a case of a ureteral stricture in a double ipsilateral kidney graft with a common ureter. A 67-year-old patient presented with obstructive nephritis associated with acute renal failure 6 years after a double renal graft with a uretero-ureteral end-to-side anastomosis. Abdominal CT scan showed double pelvic dilation. The patient underwent double percutaneous nephrostomies and antegrade pyelogram showed both renal pelvic and ureter dilations caused by a severe chronic ureteral stenosis at junction into the bladder. A Double-J ureteric stent was then inserted retrogradely over a guidewire as first-line treatment. Due to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), removal and replacement of Double-J stents were carried out by placing a thermoexpandable metal stent Memokath^® 051 (Bard, Pnn Medical) through the common ureter by a double antegrade and retrograde approach. Treatment was effective with a good renal function maintained after a 3-year follow-up without UTIs. Conclusion: Double antegrade and retrograde access to a long-term metal stent treatment can be seen as an alternative treatment to either endoscopy or open surgery. Further studies should be continued using larger series.

Urological Consequences following Renal Transplantation: A Review of the Literature

Renal transplant (RT) represents the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but harbours a wide range of possible complications and therapeutic challenges of urological competence. Dialysis years and clinical medical background of these patients are risk factors for sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). On the contrary, RT itself may have a number of possible surgical complications such as ureteral stenosis and urinary leakage, while immunosuppressive treatment is a known risk factor for de-novo malignancies.

The present review describes the main urologic problems of RT patients and their up-to-date treatment options according to the most recently available literature evidences.