The urological evaluation and management of patients with congenital lower urinary tract anomalies prior to renal transplantation.

Previously, patients with chronic renal failure and major congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract (often with urinary diversion) were thought to be poor candidates for renal transplantation. Pre-transplant evaluation and possible urinary reconstruction are essential in these patients to achieve successful renal transplantation. Ten patients, including 7 adults, presented with congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract that were responsible for renal failure. Percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy aided in the assessment of bladder function. Undiagnosed posterior urethral valves were found in 2 adults. Patients with exstrophy, neurogenic bladder or a contracted bladder (with augmentation cystoplasty) had urinary drainage into the bladder at the time of renal transplantation. Sometimes an imperfect bladder can be used for urinary drainage with transplantation but, otherwise, intestinal conduits are still a viable alternative.