Ureteropyelostomy using the native ureter for the management of ureteric obstruction or symptomatic reflux following renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of ureteropyelostomy using the native ureter for the management of ureteric obstruction or symptomatic reflux after renal transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent ureteropyelostomy after renal transplantation between the years 2000 and 2009. Ureteropyelostomy was performed using the ipsilateral native ureter. The native kidney was not removed. Patients' baseline characteristics, preceding interventions, and postprocedural outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ten patients underwent ureteropyelostomy after renal transplantation. All had initial Lich Gregoir ureterovesical anastomosis. Reasons for the reconstructive surgery were transplant ureteric stenosis in 8 patients or vesicoureteric reflux causing recurrent graft pyelonephritis in 2 patients. Median follow-up was 53 months (range 24-76). Postoperative complications included 3 patients who had transient anastomotic obstruction after removal of the double pigtail stent. They were managed with short-term ureteric restenting or nephrostomy tube insertion. In addition, 2 patients required delayed ipsilateral native nephrectomy because of infection. At last follow-up, all grafts remained unobstructed and free of infections.

CONCLUSION

Ureteropyelostomy using the native ureter for the management of transplant ureteric obstruction or symptomatic reflux is safe and provides good long-term preservation of graft function in selected patients.