Renal autotransplant for major ureteric loss: Results from median 11 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

Renal autotransplant (RA) is an underutilized procedure to treat major ureteric loss. Studies on long-term outcomes and follow-up after RA are scarce. This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes and follow-up after RA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We identified 9 patients, from 2007 to 2019, who underwent RA after major ureteric loss (where direct restoration of continuity was not possible). We collected data regarding the etiology of ureteric loss, preoperative differential renal function, method of nephrectomy (laparoscopic or open), method of anastomosing the residual ureter/pelvis to the bladder, postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and renal function and drainage postoperatively and until the last follow-up. Changes in renal function and/or any obstruction to urinary drainage of the ipsilateral kidney postoperatively or during follow-up were measured. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used to compare the mean creatinine values preoperatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up (p<0.05 was considered statistically significant).

RESULTS

All the patients had uneventful intraoperative and postoperative periods. The mean hospital stay was 6.4 (5-8) days. The median follow-up was 132 (46-156) months. The mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 1.0 (0.7-1.7) mg/dL. The mean creatinine value postoperatively and at last follow-up had no significant difference with preoperative value (p=0.96 and 0.75, respectively). The postoperative diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid scan demonstrated good perfusion and drainage. There was no deterioration of renal function or drainage during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

RA is an excellent modality to treat major ureteric loss. It preserves renal function and avoids the problems related to bowel interposition and the need for long-term follow-up.