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This brief report presents 8 patients with silicone-covered metallic stent placement for ureteral strictures refractory to double-J stent placement, following kidney transplantation. Stent removal was successfully performed in 7 patients via antegrade (n = 4) or retrograde (n = 3) access 6 weeks to 6 months after stenting for elective removal (6-month interval, n = 3), urothelial hyperplasia (n = 2), or stent migration (n = 2), and their mean primary ureteral patency after stent removal was 15.4 months (range, 2-27 months). Hematuria (n = 2) and pain (n = 3) occurred, but resolved within 1 week. One stent was removed during reconstructive surgery. During follow-up of mean 22.6 months after stent removal, ureteral strictures recurred in 2 patients., (Copyright © 2020 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose of Review: In the setting of kidney transplantation, the ureter is a common source for complications. As a result, prevention of ureteral complications and their management is of crucial importance. In this context, the purpose of this review is to summarize recent literature on the ureter in the kidney transplant setting with a special focus on new findings. We conducted a PubMed and Medline search over the last 10 years to identify all new publications related to ureteroneoimplantations, stents and management of complications in the kidney transplant setting., Recent Findings: Performance of the "Lich-Gregoir" technique for ureteroneocystostomy seems to be favourable in regard to postoperative complications when compared with other methods described in the literature. Moreover, major urologic complications can be further reduced by ureteral stenting. A new approach for management of ureteral strictures in renal transplants is presented. We discussed the usage of a ureteral stent covered with a biostable polymer aiming to prevent tissue ingrowth into the lumen as a new option for management of ureteral stricture in the kidney transplant setting.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of antegrade balloon dilatation on ureteral strictures that developed after kidney transplant., Materials and Methods: The hospital databases of the Erasmus Medical Center (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) and the Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) were retrospectively screened for patients who underwent balloon dilatation after kidney transplant. Balloon dilatation was technically successful whenever it was able to pass the strictured segment with the guidewire followed by balloon inflation; the procedure was clinically successful if no further interventions (for example, surgical revision of the ureteroneocystostomy or prolonged double J placement) were necessary., Results: Fifty patients (2.4%) of 2075 kidney transplant recipients underwent antegrade balloon dilatation because of urinary outflow obstruction. Median time between transplant and balloon dilatation was 3 months (range, 0-139 mo). In 43 patients (86%), balloon dilatation was technically successful. In the remaining 7 patients (14%), it was impossible to pass the strictured segment with the guidewire. In 20 of 43 patients (47%) having a technically successful procedure, the procedure was also clinically successful, with median follow-up after balloon dilatation of 35.5 months (range, 0-102 mo). We did not identify any patient or stricture characteristic that influenced the outcome of treatment., Conclusions: Balloon dilatation is a good option for ureter stricture treatment after kidney transplant as it is minimal invasive and can prevent surgical exploration in almost 50% of cases.

Objective: Non-vascular complications following renal transplantation can cause graft failure. In this study, we present our two-year experience with percutaneous treatment for non-vascular complications following renal transplantation., Patients and Methods: A total of 30 patients who underwent percutaneous radiological treatment between March 2014 and July 2016 were included in the study., Results: Following renal transplantation, a total of 36 percutaneous radiological procedures which includes hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral stricture (n. 15), clinical symptom-producing lymphocele due to pressure (14) and creatinine elevated nondilated grafts (n. 7) after excluding other reasons of creatinine elevation, were performed. Six patients received percutaneous treatment for both ureteral stricture and lymphocele. The patients underwent balloon dilatation and double- J ureteral stent due to ureteral stricture. The mean pre- and post-procedural creatinine levels were 4.36 ± 2.84mg/dL and 2.17 ± 1.24 mg/dL respectively (p=0.004), indicating a significant difference. For lymphocele treatment, sclerosing agents were injected and lymphatic leakage areas were injected with percutaneous glue. The mean pre- and post-procedural creatinine values were 2.97 ± 1.78 mg/dL and 1.75 ± 1.18 respectively (p=0.002), indicating a significant difference. Nephrostomy catheters were placed for patients with elevated creatinine levels and non-dilated collecting system. The mean pre- and post- nephrostomy creatinine levels were 3.55 ± 2.36 mg/dL and 2.57 ± 1.82 mg/dL respectively (p>0.05), indicating no statistically significant difference., Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that percutaneous treatment is an effective method for the treatment of non-vascular complications following renal transplantation, and, therefore, should be the first option for the preservation of graft functions., Key Words: Percutaneous treatment, Renal transplantation.

We describe a 40-year-old living-donor renal-transplant recipient who underwent successful ureterolithotripsy. He had been on hemodialysis for >15 years pre-transplant and underwent ureteroureterostomy along with the surgery. One year post-transplant, ultrasound examination demonstrated hydronephrosis, and CT showed a 6-mm ureteral calculus at the ureteroureterostomy site. No pain and no elevated serum creatinine were present. As the ureter was easily accessed, we performed a ureterolithotripsy, which would confirm whether a suture caused the calculus. Despite ureteral tortuosity, laser stone fragmentation succeeded. The calculus was completely removed with an antegrade guidewire. Mild postoperative ureteral stenosis resolved with a temporary ureteral stent without balloon dilation. Ureterolithotripsy is effective even in renal transplant recipients with ureteroureterostomy., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

A 38-year-old woman with a 2.7-cm left ureteral stenosis requiring chronic ureteral stent exchange elected to undergo robotic renal autotransplantation. Left ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was also suspected. Robotic donor nephrectomy contributed to the fine dissection for desmoplastic changes. The kidney was removed through a Gelport and examined on ice. UPJO was not seen. An end-to-side robotic anastomosis was created between the renal and external iliac vessels. The console time was 507 min, and the warm ischemia time was 4 min 5 sec. She became stent-free. Robotic renal autotransplantation is a new, minimally invasive approach to renal preservation., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Background: Isolated renal allograft aspergillosis is rare and usually presents with fever and decreased glomerular filtration rate. Presentation with obstructive uropathy caused by aspergillus fungal balls is much less common. We report a young male patient who presented with obstructive uropathy secondary to isolated renal allograft aspergillus infection 6 weeks after transplant. He was treated with nephrectomy and antifungal medications., Case Presentation: A 29-year-old Saudi male patient had a recent living non-related kidney transplantation in Pakistan. Early Post-transplant course was complicated by acute cellular rejection (Banff Class IB) which was managed successfully with pulse steroid and anti-thymocyte globulin. The patient presented again to our emergency room on fortieth day post-transplant with a complaint of decreased urine output and passing white particles in his urine. This presentation was three Three weeks after treatment for cellular rejection, the urine fungal culture showed growth of Aspergillus fumigatus, and ultrasound imaging of the allograft kidney revealed mild to moderate hydronephrosis with echogenic materials within the renal pelvis. Biopsy of the transplanted kidney showed severe necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and fungal elements consistent with aspergillus species. The patient was given voriconazole as an antifungal agent and was weaned from immunosuppressive medication. The patient eventually required intermittent hemodialysis and underwent surgical allograft nephrectomy., Conclusion: Suboptimal environmental and infection prevention and control precautions can explain this type of infection. It is important for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion and to investigate for fungal infection as a rare cause of obstructive uropathy in high-risk patients., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose To study long-term graft and patient survival after percutaneous ureteroplasty of ureteric stenosis after renal transplantation and to compare the outcomes to those of patients who did not develop ureteric stenosis. Materials and Methods An ethical waiver was obtained for this 23-year retrospective matched cohort study of 52 of 1476 consecutive kidney transplant recipients who developed postoperative ureteric stenosis. Data were collected between January 1990 and December 2012. All patients (mean age, 47 years [range, 23-72 years]; 36 men aged 29-72 years [mean age, 49 years] and 24 women aged 23-68 years [mean age, 42 years]) underwent percutaneous ureteroplasty; recurrent stenosis was managed surgically or by means of long-term ureteric stent placement. Outcomes were compared with those of a matched control group of transplant recipients with no history of ureteric stenosis. Primary outcome measures were death-censored graft failure and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures were the effect of time of stricture onset on graft survival, complications, and risk factors for recurrent stenosis. Kaplan-Meier curves were compared by using log-rank tests, with P < .05 indicative of a statistically significant difference. Results Balloon dilation was technically successful in all 52 strictures, but stenosis recurred in 10 patients and was treated with surgery (n = 5) or long-term stent placement (n = 5). The 10-year graft and patient survival were not significantly different in study versus control groups, with graft survival of 64.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.4%, 79.4%) versus 76.3% (95% CI: 58.6%, 87.2%), respectively (P = .372), and patient survival of 82.2% (95% CI: 62.9%, 92%) versus 89.9% (95% CI: 74.6%, 96.2%) (P = .632). Subgroup analysis showed that stenosis occurring less than 3 months (10-year graft survival, 59.1%), at least 3 months (10-year graft survival, 67.3%), and at least 6 months (10-year graft survival, 53.0%) after transplantation did not adversely affect graft survival compared with that of the control group (P > .05). Cold ischemia time was longer in those with recurrent stenosis than in control subjects (16.1 vs 8.4 hours, respectively; P = .034). The minor and major complication rates were 13% and 5.7%, respectively, with no 30-day graft loss and patient mortality. Conclusion Long-term graft and patient survival in patients with percutaneous ureteroplasty of transplant ureteric stenosis were not significantly worse than those in a control group. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Nonvascular complications represent a significant source of morbidity following renal transplantation and can be seen in up to 20% of patients. Postoperative problems include urinary tract obstruction or leakage and the development of peritransplant fluid collections. Interventional radiologists play a key role in the management of these patients. Image-guided interventions are used to identify the underlying anatomical problem, relieve immediate symptoms, and allow planning for long-term resolution. In this article, we review the urinary tract anatomy relevant to renal transplantation, procedural techniques for image-guided urinary tract interventions and interventions on peritransplant fluid collections, and expected outcomes following image-guided interventions., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Our objective was to define optimal management of distal ureteric strictures following renal transplantation. A systematic review on PubMed identified 34 articles (385 patients). Primary endpoints were success rates and complications of specific primary and secondary treatments (following failure of primary treatment). Among primary treatments (n = 303), the open approach had 85.4% success (95% CI 72.5-93.1) and the endourological approach had 64.3% success (95% CI 58.3-69.9). Among secondary treatments (n = 82), the open approach had 93.1% success (95% CI 77.0-99.2) and the endourological approach had 75.5% success (95% CI 62.3-85.2). The most common primary open treatment was ureteric reimplantation (n = 33, 81.8% success, 95% CI 65.2-91.8). The most common primary endourological treatment was dilation (n = 133, 58.6% success, 95% CI 50.1-66.7). Fourteen complications, including death (4 weeks post-op) and graft loss (12 days post-op), followed endourological treatment. One complication followed open treatment. This is the first systematic review to examine the success rates and complications of specific treatments for distal ureteric strictures following renal transplantation. Our review indicates that open management has higher success rates and fewer complications than endourological management as a primary and secondary treatment for post-transplant distal ureteric strictures. We also outline a post-transplant ureteric stricture evaluation and treatment algorithm., (© 2016 Steunstichting ESOT.)

Background: The number of renal transplant recipients is rising, as well as graft and recipient survival. The mainstay of urological follow-up is to ensure urine transport and voiding function; also, the diagnosis and treatment of urological malignancies following renal transplantats is growing in importance. As urological malignancies are one of the three most common tumors following renal transplantation (RT), meticulous and regular urological evaluation is a central part of follow-up care after RT., Recommendations: Urological evaluation following RT must ensure correct urine transport and voiding function. Transplant ureter strictures, relevant ureteral reflux and voiding dysfuntion (e.g., neurologic dysfunction, benign prostate hypeplasia) must be excluded or treated. Urinary tract infection (UTI), which can be life threatening in the immunosuppressed transplant recipient, must be diagnosed and treated consequently and for an adequate period of time. Prophylaxis of UTIs is indicated in patients with recurrent symptomatic UTI as well as in the initial 6 months following renal transplantation. Asymptomatic bacteriuria must not necessarily be treated. The incidence of urological malignancies like renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cancer of the bladder, and penile carcinoma is increased following RT, while the incidence of prostate and testis cancer is the same as in the nontransplant population. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment options do not differ from the normal population. Adaptation, cessation, or switching of the immunosuppressive regimen in case of urologic malignancy must be decided on the individual recipient basis.

Purpose: This study was designed o evaluate outcomes of percutaneous management of anastomotic ureteral strictures in renal transplants using nephroureteral stents with or without balloon dilatation., Methods: A retrospective audit of 1,029 consecutive renal transplants was performed. Anastomotic ureteral strictures were divided into two groups: nephroureteral stent only (NUS) and NUS+PTA (nephroureteral stent plus percutaneous transluminal angioplasty), with each cohort subdivided into early versus late presentation (obstructive uropathy occurring <90 day or >90 days from transplant, respectively). Overall and 6-month technical success were defined as removal of NUS any time with <30 % residual stenosis (any time lapse less or more than 6 months) and at >6 months, respectively. Patency was evaluated from NUS removal to last follow-up for both groups and compared., Results: Sixty-seven transplant patients with 70 ureteric anastomotic strictures (6.8 %, n = 70/1,029) underwent 72 percutaneous treatments. 34 % were late (>90 days, n = 24/70), and 66 % were early (<90 days, n = 46/70). Overall technical success was 82 % (n = 59/72) and 6-month success was 58 % (n = 42/72). Major and minor complications were 2.8 % (n = 2/72), and 12.5 % (n = 9/72). NUS+PTA did not improve graft survival (p = 0.354) or patency (p = 0.9) compared with NUS alone. There was no difference in graft survival between treated and nontreated groups (p = 0.74)., Conclusions: There is no advantage to PTA in addition to placement of NUS, although PTA did not negatively impact graft survival or long-term patency and both interventions were safe and effective. Neither the late or early groups benefited from PTA in addition to NUS. Earlier obstructions showed greater improvement in serum creatinine than later obstructions.

Purpose: This study was designed to demonstrate the accordion sign within the transplant ureter and evaluate its ramifications during balloon dilation of strictures., Methods: A retrospective electronic chart and imaging review included demographic characteristics, procedure reports, and complications of 28 renal transplant patients having ureteral strictures treated with percutaneous balloon dilation reported in our transplant nephrology database during an 8-year period. The accordion sign was deemed present or absent on the basis of an imaging review and was defined as present when a tortuous ureter became kinked and irregular when foreshortened after placement of a wire or a catheter. Procedure-related urine leaks were categorized as occurring at the stricture if within 2 cm; otherwise, they were considered away from the stricture., Results: The accordion sign was associated with a significantly greater occurrence of leaks away from the stricture (P = 0.001) but not at the stricture (P = 0.34)., Conclusions: The accordion sign is an important consideration when performing balloon dilation procedures on transplant ureteral strictures, given the increased risk of leak away from the stricture. Its presence should prompt additional care during wire and catheter manipulations.

Renal transplantation, first performed successfully in the 1950s, is the treatment of choice for most patients with end-stage renal failure. It confers longer term survival and a better quality of life than do both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The success of renal transplantation is dependent on the preservation of renal graft function and despite the many advances in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive regimens and supportive therapies, many challenges remain including post-operative ureteral obstruction. This complication can pose a risk to graft, and, occasionally, to patient survival. In this pictorial review, we describe the causes of ureteral obstruction following renal transplantation and illustrate the pivotal role of radiology in both diagnosing and managing these complications.

In kidney transplant recipients, acute renal failure resulting from a ureteral obstruction by fungus balls is uncommon. We report a 60-year-old man diagnosed with ureteral obstruction caused by Candida albicans fungus balls early after transplant. Diagnosis was made by a T2-weighted magnetic resonance image, which demonstrated fungus balls as a low-intensity mass in the pelvis and microscopic examination findings in the urine. The patient was treated successfully with an antifungal agent and direct irrigation. It should be noted that fungus balls may cause ureteral obstruction of transplanted kidneys, possibly resulting in graft failure. Imaging of the kidneys and collecting system and aggressive debridement that adds to systemic therapy are necessary for early diagnosis and are central to a successful outcome.

Introduction: Urinary fistula and ureteral stenosis occur respectively in 2-5% and 2-7.5% after kidney transplantation. The aim of the study was to do an overview about the complex management of these complications., Material and Methods: A bibliographical research in French and English language was carried out. Debates on the topic held within a meeting organized by the transplantation Committee of the French association of urology (CTAFU) have incremented the work., Results: Within the different causes of stenosis and fistula after kidney transplantation, ischemic diseases of the complex blood supply of the ureter are usually involved. The diagnosis is not always easy to establish. It is based on clinical assessment, blood and urinary biochemical exams, ultrasonography and CT-scan. Pyelography or retrograde ureteropyelography are essential in the management. Definitive treatment is surgical: uretero-vesical reimplatation, uretero-uretral anastomosis, pyelo-ureteral anastomosis., Conclusion: Urologic complications of the kidney transplantation usually do not affect the transplant survival if treated accurately and on time. The surgical management remains complex., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease because of improved patient survival and quality of life as compared with dialysis. Successful transplantation requires the prompt recognition and appropriate management of both the immediate posttransplant surgical and medical complications as well as subsequent issues like recurrent disease and chronic rejection that affect long-term graft survival. Guidelines for understanding and managing some of the more important early and late kidney-specific transplant problems, including urologic complications, delayed graft function, acute and chronic rejection, BK polyoma virus infection, and recurrent glomerular disease, are reviewed.

Diseases of the genitourinary tract in association with the BK virus (BKV) infection are increasing among renal allograft recipients. We herewith report a young, female renal transplant recipient who presented with allograft dysfunction secondary to proximal ureteric stenosis. The allograft function improved dramatically after correction and stenting of the stenosis. Our case suggests that screening for BKV infection should be an integral part of evaluation of allograft dysfunction.

BKVN leads to allograft dysfunction following kidney transplantation and is preceded by BK viremia. Studies in pediatric kidney transplant recipients reveal an incidence of viruria ranging from 18% to 33%, viremia 6-16%, and BKVN 2-8%. Specific risk factors have not been clearly elucidated. Retrospective chart review of pediatric kidney transplants performed from January 2005 through December 2009; to identify risk factors associated with BK viremia in pediatric kidney transplant recipients from a single center. Of the 93 patients who received kidney transplants in the study period, 22 (24%) developed BK viruria, including 12 (13%) who developed viremia. One patient with viremia (1.6%) had BKVN. Obstructive uropathy was identified as the cause of ESKD in 22 (24%) of all recipients. 27% (n = 6) of these 22 patients developed viremia, while only 8.5% (6/71) with ESKD from another cause had viremia (p = 0.001). No other examined variable differed between the two groups. Although the overall incidence was no higher than other reported series, we identified that BK disease was more frequent in children with OU. A higher index of suspicion for invasive BK disease is necessary in patients with OU who receive kidney allografts. Transplant protocols may need to consider underlying cause of ESKD when designing screening protocols for BK disease in children after kidney transplantation., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

In the field of renal transplantation, advances in the management of graft rejection have led to improved graft and patient survival rates, however other types of complications have now become more apparent, e.g. vascular or urological. The most common urological complications following renal transplantation are ureteral stenosis or obstruction, constituting a significant problem of the renal graft's survival. The most important aspects concerning these complications are early diagnosis and prompt treatment since any delay in their management may lead to renal graft dysfunction or even graft loss. Developments in interventional radiology have provided minimally invasive means to treat urological complications with low complication rates. Herein we review the literature in order to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous management of ureteral stenosis regarding its safety, immediate and long-term results, complications as well as rate of recurrence., (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Urinary anastomotic complications following renal transplantation cause significant patient morbidity. In ureteric reconstruction, different techniques are used to reduce complications (such as leakage or obstruction). In this study, we suggested two aspects of management of the complications of ureteral anastamosis: ureteral spatulation more than 10 mm for prevention and percutaneous nephrostomy and balloon dilatation as the first steps of treatment. A sequential double-blind random trial with 170 kidney transplant recipients was performed, dividing the patients into two groups: group 1 patients had ureteral spatulation length ≤ 10 mm (70 recipients) and group 2 patients had ureteral spatulation ≥ 10 mm (100 recipients). In patients with ureteral stenosis, percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and balloon dilatation were used as the first step of treatment. The mean age was 44 ± 4.2 years. Before and after removing the double J stent, ureteral complications that needed surgical intervention occurred in 16/70 recipients in group 1 (20.3%) and in eight/100 recipients in group 2 (8%). There is a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). PCN and balloon dilatation were performed in 24 patients with ureteral stenosis. Eleven patients had a good response and 13 patients underwent surgical procedures (in four of theses patients, ileal interposition was used for repairing the ureteral defects). In conclusion, ureteral spatulation more than 10 mm in prevention of ureteral stenosis and use of PCN and balloon dilatation in the first step of treatment of ureteral obstruction should be the management choice for these patients.

Ureteral stricture is the most common urologic complication after renal transplantation. When endourologic management fails, open ureteral reconstruction remains the standard treatment. The complexity of some of these procedures makes it necessary to explore other means of repair. This study evaluated the intermediate-term outcome of subcutaneous pyelovesical bypass graft (SPBG) on renal transplant recipients. We reviewed 8 patients (6 male and 2 female; mean age 52 years) with refractory ureteral strictures postrenal transplantation, who received SPBG as salvage therapy. All patients failed endourologic management and half failed open management of their strictures. After a mean follow-up of 19.4 months, 7 out of 8 renal grafts have good function with mean GFR of 58.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2), without evidence of obstruction or infection. One patient lost his graft due to persistent infection of the SPBG and one patient developed a recurrent urinary tract infection managed with long-term antibiotics. SPBG offers a last resort in the treatment of ureteral stricture after renal transplantation refractory to conventional therapy.

Surgical complications remain a significant clinical problem following renal trans-plantation. Ureteral obstruction following transplantation is not uncommon. Persistent obstruction of the ureterovesical anastomosis is the most common urologic complication. Obstruction occurring beyond the first post operative month remains frequent (2-7.5%) and mostly related to ureteral stenosis. We report here a case of ureteral stenosis due to an unusual cause and review the literature.

Introduction: We report our experience with percutaneous management of urologic complications following kidney transplantation., Materials and Methods: Of 1402 consecutive kidney transplant recipients from living donors at our hospital, 21 required percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) for the treatment of obstructive lymphocele (n = 11), urinary calculus (n = 8), and stricture of the ureterovesical junction anastomosis (n = 2). We had also 11 kidney recipients with urine leakage from the ureter who were treated only by indwelling ureteral catheter. Urinary complications were diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms, elevated serum creatinine levels, ultrasonography and renal scintigraphy. Patients with ureteral obstruction or urine leakage were compared with kidney recipients without urologic complications., Results: A mean decline of 3.1 +/- 3.0 mg/dL (range, 0.1 to 10.7 mg/dL) in serum creatinine level was detected (P < .001) after PCN. All of the patients remained symptom free for a mean follow-up period of 34.2 +/- 20.1 months (range, 3 to 81 months). Patient and graft survival rates were not different between the patients undergoing PCN and other kidney recipients. The only difference was the history of using antilymphocyte globulin which was significantly more frequent in the patients of the PCN group (P = .01)., Conclusion: In our experience, PCN is a safe and effective method for the treatment of ureteral obstructions in kidney allograft recipients. This method provided long-term success with few recurrences and low morbidity and mortality rates.

We present a rare case of late renal allograft failure from ureteral obstruction resulting from inguinal herniation. A 72-year-old man presented with an elevated creatinine and hydroureteronephrosis of a transplanted kidney on ultrasound. Noncontrast computed tomography demonstrated an inguinal hernia containing ureter, and a nephrostomy tube was placed. The hernia and ureter were temporarily reduced during antegrade stent insertion. Creatinine normalized and we performed inguinal herniorrhaphy with polypropylene mesh. The ureter was not reimplanted. Renal function remained stable after nephrostomy tube removal. Simple herniorrhaphy without ureteral reimplantation may fix the case of ureteral obstruction from inguinal herniation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of percutaneous therapy of ureteral complications after renal transplantation. Between January 2000 and June 2006 we percutaneously treated 26 renal transplant patients with ureteral obstruction (n=19) and leak (n=7). Obstructions were classified as early (<2 months after transplantation) or late (>2 months). Patients with leak were treated with nephro-ureteral catheter placement and subsequent double-J stenting. Balloon dilatation, stent placement, and basket extraction were used to treat ureteral obstructions. Patients were followed with ultrasonography. No major procedure-related complication occurred. The mean follow-up time was 34.3 months (range: 6 to 74 months). Initial clinical success was achieved in all 19 patients with obstruction and 6 of 7 patients with leak. Four of 9 early obstructions and 4 of 10 late obstructions recurred during the follow-up. All recurrences were initially managed again with percutaneous methods, including cutting balloon technique and metallic stent placement. Although there was no recurrence in patients with successfully treated leak, stricture was seen at the previous leak site in two patients. These strictures were also successfully managed percutaneously. We conclude that in the treatment of ureteral obstruction and leak following renal transplantation, percutaneous therapy is an effective alternative to surgery. However, further interventions are usually needed to maintain long-term patency.

Background: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is becoming the standard of care for living donor nephrectomy. However, questions have been raised about the safety of LDN for the donor and about the potentially increased rates for ureteral complications experienced by the recipient. In this report, the authors review their 5-year experience with 253 living laparoscopic donor nephrectomies., Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for 253 laparoscopic live donors. Graft function and survival were compared using recipient postoperative creatinine values up to 12 months., Results: The overall rate of complications in the investigated series was 10.3%. There were seven intraoperative complications (2.8%), three of which required open conversion. There were 19 postoperative complications (7.5%), three of which required reexploration for bleeding. The majority of complications were minor including 62% grade 1, 8% grade 2, 31% grade 3, and no grade 4 or 5 complications. There were no intraoperative complications in the right-sided donor group. There was a 5% complication rate for patients with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25. The findings showed that 11.2% of the recipients had slow graft function, and 4.4% had delayed graft function. Less than 1% of the recipients experienced ureteral stricture requiring permanent stent placement or reoperation. Overall, there was a 2% graft loss rate., Conclusions: The findings show a low rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications, most of which were minor complications. There was an increase in operative time and hospital stay in the right-sided group, but no increase in complication rate. There was no significant difference in outcome or complication rate for the overweight patients.

Surgical and standard endourology options are limited in transplant patients with severe ureteric stenosis, particularly when access to the transplant renal pelvis is limited. The use of a silicone-polytetrafluoroethelene (PTFE)-bonded extraanatomic urinary tract stent for urinary tract drainage is described in two patients. This technique of ureteric reconstruction in renal transplantation may be considered when standard approaches have failed. It appears to be safe when performed by radiologists and urologists with expertise in percutaneous renal access.

Objective: To analyze the incidence of urological complications, like fistula and stenosis in our series of 282 renal transplants and their management., Materials and Methods: Between December 1995 and October 2005, 282 adult recipients underwent renal transplant. The most common urological complication was urinary fistula. This complication was observed in 24 cases (8.5%), ureteral stenosis in 18 cases (6.4%) and both of them in 5 (1.7%). The items recorded on these patients included the time to diagnosis, the image technique, the type of ureteral stents and the clinical evolution., Results: Endourologic treatment with percutaneos nefrostomy, double-J catheter and metalic endoprotesis was performed successfully in 76.4% of urinary fistula, in 66.7% of ureteral obstruction and in 60% of patients who developed both of them., Conclusion: Endourologic procedures have replaced open reconstructive surgery in most patients with ureteral obstruction or urinary fistula after renal transplant, because they may offer a definitive treatment with low morbidity.

Objective: To determine the feasibility, safety and efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic ureteroscopy in renal allograft ureters., Material and Methods: We reviewed 1560 consecutive renal allografts performed between June 1989 and February 2002. A total of 28 patients (1.8%) had indications for an endoscopic procedure on the allograft ureter, as follows: obstructive ureteral calculi with a history of failed extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, n=6; suspected ureteral stricture, n=3; upwardly migrated ureteral stents, n=9; and ureteral stricture at the ureteroneocystostomy site, n=10. Ureters were anastomosed to the bladder using the Leadbetter-Politano and Lich-Gregoire methods in six and 22 cases, respectively. Ureteroscopies were performed with a semi-rigid 9.8 F Wolf ureteroscope., Results: Identification of the ureteral orifice and insertion of a guide-wire into it was successful in 19 cases (68%). If we exclude the 10 patients with ureteral stricture, ureteroscopy was successful in 13/18 cases (72%). Four ureteral calculi (67%) were removed with the ureteroscope. Seven out of nine migrated stents (78%) were retrieved. Four patients with ureteral stricture at the ureteroneocystostomy site (40%) underwent successful ureteral dilatation and double-J ureteral catheters were also inserted. Diagnostic ureteroscopy was successful in all cases. Two complications (one urinary leakage and one symptomatic urinary tract infection) occurred and were managed conservatively., Conclusions: Ureteral endoscopy is a safe and effective method for the management of urological complications after renal transplantation. This procedure can be considered the first choice, in preference to percutaneous and antegrade modalities.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of the Memokath 051 stent (Engineers and Doctors, Hornbaek, Denmark) in the treatment of recurrent ureteral stenosis or occlusion in transplant kidneys., Methods: From October 1985 through January 2004, 1,131 renal transplantations were performed at our center. Four patients who developed recurrent renal transplant ureter obstruction had nephrostomy catheters placed. Antegrade pyelography showed ureteral stenosis in three cases and complete occlusion in one patient. In each case, a Memokath 051 stent was inserted via an antegrade approach. Mean follow-up was 20 months (range 18-21 months). Creatinine levels were measured and ultrasonography was performed during follow-up., Results: All stent procedures were technically successful. During follow-up, one stent migrated within 10 days after stent insertion and was removed cystoscopically. Another stent had to be removed in the 14th month due to resistant infection, and was replaced with a new Memokath 051 stent which remained patent for another 8 months. The other two stents were fully patent at the 18th and 21st month of follow-up, respectively., Conclusion: Placement of a Memokath 051 stent appears to be a promising treatment alternative to balloon dilation, double-J stents and open surgical intervention for ureteral stenosis or occlusion in kidney transplant recipients. Further study of larger series is necessary.

We report our experience with percutaneous balloon dilatation (PBD) for the treatment of ureteral strictures in patients with renal allografts. Of the 422 consecutive patients after renal transplantation in our center 10 patients had ureteral strictures. An additional 11 patients were referred from other centers. The 21 patients included 15 men and 6 women aged 16 to 67 years. Strictures were confirmed by sonography and scintigraphy in all cases. Patients underwent 2 to 4 PBDs at 7-10-day intervals. Clinical success was defined as resolution of the stenosis and hydronephrosis on sequential ultrasound and normalization of creatinine levels. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent transplantation more than 3 months previously and those who underwent transplantation less than 3 months previously. PBD was successful in 13 of the 21 patients (62%). There was no statistically significant difference in success rate between the patients with early (n = 12) and those with late (n = 9) obstruction: 58.4% and 66%, respectively. No major complications were documented. PBD is a safe and simple tool for treating ureteral strictures and procedure-related morbidity is low. It can serve as an initial treatment in patients with early or late ureteral strictures after renal transplantation.

Objective: To determinate the efficacy in the treatment of ureteral estenoses after renal transplantation with metallic self-expandable stent., Materials and Methods: From october of 1995 to april of 2002, 8 ureteral obstruction post renal transplantation have treated by means of implants of a metallic self-expandable stent (6 men and 2 women). The average time of pursuit was of 30 months (rank 2-53 months). In this work the severity and location of the estenosis are analysed, the method of implant of the stent, the permeability of the same one, the levels of creatinine pre and postimplant and the complications derived from the same one., Results: The treatment was effective in the 100% of the patients (8/8), with an average reduction of the creatinine of 36% (rank 13.6%-59.6%). The complications were minimum and the hospital stay was short., Conclusions: In the patients with: chronic deterioration of the graft with short functional expectation, patient with high surgical risk and reestenosis after ureteral reimplantation by previous ureteral estenosis, the use of a metallic self-expandable stent, constitutes technique of election given its efficacy and low associate morbidity.

Patients and Methods: Eight patients with ureteral stricture after renal transplantation underwent minimally invasive treatment with Acucise incision or balloon dilation. Acucise endoureterotomy was used to treat four patients with strictures at the ureterovesical anastomosis, and balloon dilation was used to treat four patients with a ureteroureterostomy stricture. Success was defined as an acceptable serum creatinine concentration in the absence of hydronephrosis with at least 1 year of follow-up., Results: Acucise endoureterotomy for ureterovesical anastomosis stricture was successful in two of three patients (67%) with a mean follow-up of 20 months. One patient had an indeterminate outcome. Balloon dilation of strictured ureteroureterostomy was successful in three of four patients (75%) with a mean follow-up of 23.7 months. Three of the four patients with previously failed open revision were treated successfully with endourologic techniques. The two patients in whom treatment failed had strictures >/=1.5 cm and manifested comorbidities including diabetes mellitus., Conclusion: As our results are comparable to those of other published series, endourologic management of transplant ureteral stenosis is a reasonable strategy.

Donor graft lithiasis is a unusual complication of renal transplantation, however, it is associated to a high morbidity. This pathology is due to several causes such us: metabolic factors, infectious disease, drugs, foreign bodies or transferred in the donor graft. The objective of the treatment is to remove the lithiasis without damaging the renal unit. We report the successful percutaneous anterograde treatment of an ureteral obstructive hard calculi, in renal allograft.

We report the use of a metallic stent in a transplant ureteral stenosis. A 28-year-old man with chronic renal failure due to chronic pyelonephritis, who received a living-donor renal transplant, presented with transplant ureteral stenosis. The stenosis was unresponsive to balloon dilation and was treated by antegrade placement of a self-expanding Memotherm stent. The stented ureter stayed patent for 3 years. It may be reasonable to treat post-transplant ureteral stenosis resistant to balloon dilation with self-expanding metallic stents. However, long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment.

The aim of this article is to review the radiological management of complications following renal transplant.

Objectives: To report our long-term clinical results with the use of endoureterotomy in patients undergoing renal transplant with a minimum follow-up of 23 months., Methods: Six renal transplant patients developed persistent ureteral obstruction demonstrated by elevated serum creatinine levels, renal ultrasound, and antegrade pyelography. Stent placement and balloon dilation were performed as the initial therapy in all patients. Persistent ureteral obstruction was managed with balloon cautery endoureterotomy. Ureteral stents were removed cystoscopically 6 weeks after the procedure., Results: Four men and 2 women, mean age 45 years (range 38 to 54), underwent eight procedures: six by way of an antegrade percutaneous approach and two in an endoscopic retrograde fashion. The sites of ureteral stricture were ureterovesical junction (n = 4), ureteropelvic junction (n = 1), and midureteroureteral (n = 1). Two patients required a second endoureterotomy 3 months after the first attempt. Patients were followed up for a mean of 27 months (range 23 to 34). The mean serum creatinine level for all patients at follow-up was 2.6 mg/dL (range 1.6 to 3.9), including a mean serum creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL (range 1.6 to 1.9) for nonrejected kidneys and a mean of 3.4 mg/dL (range 2.5 to 3.9) in those found to have concurrent rejection. Overall, five (63%) of eight procedures were successful in 5 (83%) of 6 patients. No intraoperative complications occurred and no blood transfusions were required., Conclusions: Balloon cautery endoureterotomy was successful in this select group of renal transplant patients with persistent ureteral strictures after initial balloon dilation and stenting failed. This modality proved durable to 27 months of follow-up without significant complications.

Background and Purpose: Renal transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. Ureteral stenosis is the most frequent urologic complication. We report our experience with percutaneous nephrostomy and antegrade ureteral stenting, which may offer a primary and definitive alternative to open surgery., Patients and Methods: Fifteen patients with renal allograft obstructive uropathy were managed with percutaneous nephrostomy and prolonged ureteral stenting., Results: Percutaneous nephrostomies were successfully performed in all 15 kidneys: In 13 patients, antegrade ureteral stenting was attempted, this being successful in 11 (85%). After prolonged ureteral stenting (mean duration 15 months), the stent was removed in eight patients, and six of them (75%) did not have recurrences. During follow-up, urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium determinations and ultrasound scans were performed, and success was confirmed by the decline of creatinine and reduction in hydronephrosis. No major complication was observed., Conclusion: Percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral stenting is a safe and effective treatment for renal allograft obstructive uropathy. Prolonged ureteral stenting may offer a definitive treatment with low morbidity.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous balloon dilatation and temporary internal stenting in the treatment of transplant ureteral strictures., Methods: Nine patients presenting with obstructed renal transplants were treated by antegrade nephrostomy insertion, ureteroplasty, and temporary internal stenting. Following stent removal, patients were divided into two groups for analysis according to whether the obstruction occurred less than (group A) or more than (group B) 3 months following transplantation., Results: All procedures were technically successful. In group A (n = 6), all patients were successfully treated by one or two dilatations with stenting. In group B (n = 3), two patients were successfully treated by one dilatation with stenting. Overall, eight patients (89%) have had their primary or secondary stent removed successfully at a mean interval of 97.5 days after insertion, and remain well at a mean follow-up interval of 22 months., Conclusion: Balloon dilatation and temporary internal stenting is a useful method for treating transplant ureteral strictures.

Purpose: To analyze the outcome of percutaneous antegrade ureteral stent placement for treatment of ureteral stenoses and leaks after renal transplantation., Materials and Methods: Antegrade pyelography and percutaneous ureteral stent placement were performed in 45 patients with ureteral obstruction (n = 40), leak (n = 3), or both (n = 2). Obstructions were graded as mild, moderate, or complete, and as early (< or = 3 months after transplantation) or late (> 3 months)., Results: The outcome of stent placement was successful in 25 (57%) patients (average follow-up, 30 months). The ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) was the most common site of obstructions (22 of 41), leaks (four of five), and successful outcomes (16 of 22). Moderate obstructions were most common (29 of 41) and responded best to treatment (17 of 29). Eighteen (69%) of 26 early obstructions and five (33%) of 15 late obstructions were successfully managed percutaneously. All complications (12 of 45 patients) were minor, with infections the most common (n = 7). No mortality or allograft loss was attributable to stent placement., Conclusion: Ureteral stents are safe and effective for the treatment of obstructions and leaks and are particularly effective for early and UNC obstructions. These stents may also be useful for temporary drainage.