Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a renal allograft recipient

In the current immunosuppression era, most renal transplant recipients with a functioning allograft are living healthier and longer lives. In men, because of prostate-specific antigen screening, more patients are diagnosed with early prostate cancer and offered curative treatment with radical prostatectomy. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is an accepted minimally invasive treatment for a middle-aged man with organ-confined prostate cancer. To our knowledge, laparoscopic prostatectomy has not yet been reported in renal transplant recipients. This is a case report of laparoscopic prostatectomy for biopsy-proven localized prostate cancer in a renal transplant recipient.     

Minimally invasive resection of a right atrial mass in a cardiac transplant recipient: a case report

Intracardiac thrombus formation usually occurs in the left-sided cavities of the heart, most frequently in the presence of atrial fibrillation or cardiomyopathy. We report the case of an initially unclear mass developing in the right atrium (RA) of a heart transplant recipient, which was subsequently resected via a minimally invasive surgical approach. Access via right anterior minithoracotomy using videoscopic assistance allowed for uncomplicated RA thrombectomy in the presented case, avoiding reentry sternotomy with the potential risk of cardiac injury and without aortic cross-clamping or cardioplegic arrest. The patient is doing fine with excellent graft function at the latest follow-up 4 months after minimally invasive thrombectomy and 30 months after cardiac transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing minimally invasive resection of a right atrial thrombus in a heart transplant recipient.     

Renales Aspergillom

Aspergillus infections frequently affect immunocompromised patients and are associated with high mortality. We report the case of a renal aspergilloma in a bone marrow transplant recipient. Treatment is challenging and requires a combination of systemic antifungal therapy and surgery. In the present case, a minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic resection of the aspergilloma was performed.     

Favorable outcomes among recipients of living-donor nephrectomy using video-assisted minilaparotomy

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive, living-donor nephrectomy (LDN) is an attractive procedure for the donor in kidney transplantation (KTx). Its advantages include better cosmesis, shorter hospital stay, and rapid recovery. The most commonly performed, minimally invasive nephrectomy is done laparoscopically. However, the technical challenges, a steep learning curve for the surgeon, the risk of impaired early graft function, and the high cost of the procedure, have prevented minimally invasive LDN from gaining wide acceptance. To overcome these problems, we have developed a new surgical procedure named video-assisted minilaparotomy (VAM) for LDN. VAM-LDN is performed entirely with a small retrieval incision. Moreover, it does not require the induction of pneumoperitoneum, thereby avoiding potential vascular and renal complications. METHODS: We evaluated the outcome of transplant recipients receiving kidneys with the VAM-LDN procedure by retrospectively comparing the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent KTx with the conventional open nephrectomy (group I, n=82) and VAM-LDN (group II, n=70) procedures from March 1, 1997, to June 30, 2002, at our institution. We compared postoperative complications, patient and graft survival, and graft functions between these two groups during a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic data, ABO compatibility, degree of human leukocyte antigen matching, or method of immunosuppression between the two groups (P >0.05). No significant difference was observed in complications such as delayed graft function, acute rejection, ureter complication, graft failure, or patient's mortality. There was no difference in graft function between the two groups, as determined by serum creatinine level measured during the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The short-term recipient outcome was favorable in patients who underwent KTx with the VAM-LDN procedure.     

Ureteropelvic junction obliteration resulting in nephrectomy after radiofrequency ablation of small renal cell carcinoma

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that is currently used to treat renal tumors. Despite its minimally invasive nature, potential serious complications can occur. We report the second case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction after radiofrequency ablation that resulted in nephrectomy. The use of radiofrequency ablation should be considered with caution, particularly when tumors are centrally located or abut the renal pelvis. Additional data are needed to better define the indications and contraindications to minimally invasive ablative technologies when used in the clinical setting.     

Regional anaesthesia for cardiac surgery

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are at increased risk of cardiac, pulmonary, renal and infectious complications. These complications increase peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Physicians are constantly seeking to improve current anaesthetic and surgical techniques in an attempt to reduce these complications, thereby expediting patient recovery and providing cost-effective medical care. Recent modifications of surgical techniques include minimally invasive and off-pump cardiac surgery. These surgical techniques, in turn, provide a new challenge to the anaesthetist. This article discusses the risks/benefits of regional anaesthesia in cardiac surgery and evaluates its potential role in (i) improving patient outcome and (ii) meeting the challenges of the newer, minimally invasive, cardiac surgical techniques.     

Orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction in patients with recurring bladder cancer after renal transplantation – a report of two cases and a review of the literature

Abstract:  Renal transplant recipients have a high risk of developing multiple and invasive urothelial tumors because of long-term immunosuppression and infections with oncogenic viruses in China. However, treatment of renal transplant recipients who developed invasive bladder tumor is challenging. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy in renal transplant recipients. Orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction and preservation of the transplanted kidney were performed in two patients after one and 36 months of transplantation, respectively. One recipient was lacking a bladder because of prior cystectomy before the transplantation, and the other developed multiple and invasive bladder cancer after the transplantation. During the 14-month and seven-yr follow-up postoperation, no serious complications occurred except slight hydronephrosis in one patient. No rejection and graft dysfunction occurred in both patients with reduced dosage of immunosuppressants, and serum creatinine as a marker of renal function remained stable. Urinary continence was satisfactory during the day and night with voluntary voiding. Our experience showed that radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction in transplant patients with stable renal function is a safe and effective way to provide better quality of life, satisfactory urinary diversion and preservation of renal function simultaneously.     

Risk Factors for Urinary Complications After Renal Transplantation

Urinary complications are common following renal transplantation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors associated with renal transplant urinary complications. We collected data on 1698 consecutive renal transplants patients. The association of donor, transplant and recipient characteristics with urinary complications was assessed by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, fitted to analyze time-to-event outcomes of urinary complications and graft failure. Urinary complications were observed in 105 (6.2%) recipients, with a 2.8% ureteral stricture rate, a 1.7% rate of leak and stricture, and a 1.6% rate of urine leaks. Seventy percent of these complications were definitively managed with a percutaneous intervention. Independent risk factors for a urinary complication included: male recipient, African American recipient, and the "U"-stitch technique. Ureteral stricture was an independent risk factor for graft loss, while urinary leak was not. Laparoscopic donor technique (compared to open living donor nephrectomy) was not associated with more urinary complications. Our data suggest that several patient characteristics are associated with an increased risk of a urinary complication. The U-stitch technique should not be used for the ureteral anastomosis.     

Elevation of multiple cytokines/chemokines in urine of human renal transplant recipients with acute and chronic injuries: potential usage for diagnosis and monitoring

Early diagnosis and intervention of acute dysfunction caused by both immune and nonimmune factors in the kidney transplant are crucial for the long-term well-being of the recipient. The monitoring and diagnosis of acute dysfunction and chronic allograft nephropathy in kidney transplant are currently based on clinical symptoms, serum creatinine (Cr), proteinuria, and renal biopsy. A renal biopsy can indicate infiltration of inflammatory cells, structural damage, and fibrosis in the kidney. It is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute and chronic injury. Nonetheless, the biopsy tissue is only a tiny sample of the kidney and may miss focal inflammation or damages. Furthermore, the biopsy procedure is invasive and has potential complications. A sensitive noninvasive test that is able to detect acute and chronic injuries in the kidney transplant will be a very useful adjunct in clinical practice to monitor the renal graft and to help guide the performance of biopsies. We and others have observed a significant elevation of cytokines and chemokines in urine of kidney transplant recipients with acute and chronic injuries. For example, CXCR3 binding chemokines elevate in urine samples of recipients with acute dysfunction in the kidney transplant. Furthermore, the elevation of these chemokines predicts the occurrence of acute rejection earlier than the rise of serum Cr. A rapid fall of the chemokines in urine indicates response to antirejection therapy, which is more sensitive than the serum Cr. Cytokines and chemokines excreted into the urine are made by both the infiltrating inflammatory cells and the kidney cells, and therefore the elevation of these factors in urine may indicate inflammation and renal tissue injury. Based on these observations, we think that cytokines and chemokines in urine may become useful biomarkers in the clinic for monitoring the kidney graft.     

Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder Reconstruction after Renal Transplant

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is an effective curative treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. The orthotopic ileal neobladder has become a favorable choice of urinary diversion as it offers superior quality of life, cosmetic outcome and the potential for normal voiding. We treated two patients with bladder cancer who previously underwent renal transplant for end-stage renal disease. Radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction was performed in both patients. One patient had two renal transplants and underwent transplant nephrectomy at the time of cystectomy. In the other patient, the native kidneys were still present and the ureters were anastomosed to the neobladder. There is excellent function of the neobladder. There were no increased complications seen in these patients. Our cases demonstrate that an orthotopic ileal neobladder is safe and feasible after renal transplant and should be offered to these patients.     

First live birth after uterus transplantation in the United States

Uterus transplantation has proven to be a successful treatment for women with absolute uterine infertility, caused either by the absence of a uterus or the presence of a nonfunctioning uterus. We report the first birth of a healthy child following uterus transplantation in the United States, from a recipient of a uterus allograft procured from an altruistic living donor. Two major modifications from the previously reported live births characterized this uterus transplant. First, the transplanted uterus relied upon and sustained the pregnancy while having only the utero‐ovarian vein as venous outflow. The implication is a significantly simplified living donor surgery that paves the way for minimally invasive laparoscopic or robot‐assisted techniques for the donor hysterectomy. Second, the time from transplantation to embryo transfer was significantly shortened from prior protocols, allowing for an overall shorter exposure to immunosuppression by the recipient and lowering the risk for potential adverse effects from these medications.     

Pyelo-ureteral necrosis after renal transplantation

Because of the limited chance of receiving a kidney transplant (for several well-known reasons), a lot of desperate dialysis patients procure an unrelated donor kidney transplant against all medical advice. This type of renal paid transplantation is associated with many surgical complications and invasive opportunistic infections that increase the morbidity and mortality in this group of transplant recipients. In this report, we describe a case of a 22-year-old girl with a segmental infarction of the graft lower pole and a complete pyelo-ureteral necrosis as a consequence of some vascular damage, complicated by a pathohistological finding of an invasive candidiasis. Despite the successful surgical pyelovesical anastomosis and the good recovery of the patient and the kidney, long term prognosis remains poor. The lack of information from the transplanting center regarding both donor and recipient and the associated, unacceptable risks on the graft and patient survival in unrelated, paid transplant recipients reinforce the standpoint that this practice should be abandoned.     

Colorectal complications of renal allograft transplantation.

The occurrence of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis in a renal transplant recipient stimulated a review of colorectal complications in renal allograft recipients. One hundred twenty-five renal transplantations were performed in 113 patients between January 1968 and December 1975. Six patients (5%) were identified as having colorectal complications and five of these patients died as a direct result. Chart analysis of these 113 transplant recipients identified 55 patients as having undergone colonic evaluation (contrast enema, postmortem examination), with seven of these 55 (13%) found to have diverticulosis and major colonic complications eventually developing in four of these seven. Since the mortality from the complications of colorectal diseases in immunosuppressed patients is so prohibitive, in patients with diverticulosis and a previous history suggestive of diverticulitis, consideration should be given to exclusion from transplantation or elective segmental colectomy prior to transplantation.     

The Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Multifocal Renal Cell Carcinoma

Surgical excision remains the reference standard for treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive extirpative approaches are being increasingly employed in current urologic practice. Multiple tumors in the same kidney present a unique set of challenges for minimally invasive surgeons. As such, we review recent literature regarding minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery in patients with synchronous, ipsilateral, multifocal renal tumors. As the experience with these complex operations grows, perioperative, short-term functional and oncologic outcomes appear comparable to traditional open nephron-sparing surgery. Data on surgical approaches to patients with synchronous, ipsilateral, multifocal RCC are emerging. Short-term results suggest minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery is safe, feasible, and should be considered as a potential treatment option for patients who present with multiple tumors in the same renal unit.     

Ureteral obstruction after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection for treatment of secondary vesicoureteral reflux after renal transplantation

Ureteral obstruction after transurethral injection therapy for primary vesicoureteral reflux is known to occur in less than 1% of cases. We report the first case of a ureteral obstruction after transurethral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) for the treatment of secondary vesicoureteral reflux after renal transplantation. Loss of transplant function made reimplantation of the ureter necessary. A periureteral phlebitis and moderate foreign body reaction was found histologically, although the patient had received immunosuppressive therapy. Endoscopic therapy of secondary vesicoureteral reflux in patients after renal transplantation is a reasonable minimally invasive treatment option; however, severe complications may occur.     

Percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy as definitive treatment of renal lymphangiomatosis

We report the technique and outcome of percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy as primary treatment of renal lymphangiomatosis. Between January and May 2009, two patients presenting with symptomatic renal lymphangiomatosis were treated in our department by a minimally invasive modality combining percutaneous drainage with repeated sclerotherapy. We retrospectively analysed recurrence, complications and patient satisfaction. In this limited case series, percutaneous drainage and repeated sclerotherapy proved to be safe and effective for treating renal lymphangiomatosis. This procedure provides a minimally invasive option for selected patients, potentially avoiding a surgical procedure and any risk of complications.     

Diabetic ketoacidosis following development of de novo diabetes in renal transplant recipient associated with tacrolimus

Although drugs used in renal transplant recipients such as steroids, cyclosporine, and particularly, tacrolimus have diabetogenic potential, diabetic ketoacidosis is uncommon. There are few data concerning the long-term follow-up of these patients. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in a renal transplant recipient following de novo development associated with tacrolimus.     

Residual amoebic liver abscess in a prospective renal transplant recipient

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is by far the most common extraintestinal manifestation of invasive amoebiasis. The vast majority of these resolve with treatment; however, a small percentage of the treated ALAs are known to persist asymptomatically. Herein, we present a prospective renal allograft recipient with a residual liver abscess who had a successful renal transplant after treatment. In our opinion, persistence of a radiological finding of residual abscess in the absence of clinical disease does not appear to be a contraindication to renal transplantation.     

Minimally invasive splenectomy in grade IV splenic trauma: A case report associated with high-grade renal trauma

Introduction and importanceIn closed abdominal trauma, the spleen is the most frequently injured organ (30–45%). Splenic lesions grades IV-V have higher failure rates with nonoperative management (NOM). The minimally invasive approach is an alternative when NOM fails. This is the first reported case of a patient with splenic and left renal trauma, both grade IV, with combined management, which consisted of a minimally invasive surgical resolution of the splenic trauma and a conservative management of the renal trauma, with a satisfactory recovery of the patient. This contributes to understanding the benefits of minimally invasive surgery in moderate splenic trauma associated with other high-grade injuries.Case presentationWe present a 45-year-old woman with a multiple trauma after a motorbike vs car traffic accident. On physical examination, she was hemodynamically stable, with abdominal guarding and generalized rebound tenderness associated with multiple upper and lower limb fractures. An abdominal CT scan revealed grade IV splenic and left renal trauma, with moderate hemoperitoneum. A minimally invasive laparoscopic approach for hemoperitoneum drainage and splenectomy was performed.Clinical discussionThere is currently no consensus to define the indications for minimally invasive treatment on splenic trauma. While laparotomy is the standard treatment, it is not without potential severe complications, while laparoscopy providing a treatment option in selected cases with hemodynamic stability.ConclusionThe role of the minimally invasive approach is safe and feasible in selected patients with high-grade splenic lesions and hemodynamic stability, including the association with other organic lesions such as kidney trauma.     

Recurrent cytomegalovirus disease, visceral leishmaniosis, and Legionella pneumonia after liver transplantation: a case report

PURPOSE: Recurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a frequent complication of liver transplantation. Visceral leishmaniosis in a transplant recipient is, on the other hand, extremely rare and only two cases of kala-azar have been described after liver transplantation. Immunosuppressed patients are known to be at risk of Legionella infection and the relationship between infection with this organism and hospital water supplies has been well described. These three diseases carry a high mortality rate. Our report examines the potential relationship between these complications. CLINICAL FEATURES: We describe the case of a liver transplant recipient who presented the three complications successively and survived. After reviewing the literature, we explore hypotheses linking these infections and discuss treatment strategies. CONCLUSIONS: In the patient described, infection with leishmania probably occurred months prior to the clinical presentation, a delay that matches the incubation period of kala-azar. The simultaneous onset of leishmaniosis and of a high CMV viremia may have been a coincidence. However, CMV infection has been shown to be an independent predictor of invasive fungal infection in liver transplant recipients. CMV does indeed have a suppressive effect on the humoral and cellular immune response in vitro as well as in vivo. The clinical manifestations of leishmaniosis may, therefore, have been precipitated in this patient by the additive immunosuppressive effect of antirejection drugs and CMV.