BK Virus–Associated Urothelial Carcinoma of a Ureter Graft in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Background

Urothelial carcinomas of ureter grafts in renal transplant patients are rare. Here we report our experience with a case of BK virus–associated urothelial carcinoma in a ureter graft.

Case Report

A 47-year-old man developed chronic renal failure secondary to diabetes mellitus and started maintenance hemodialysis in September 2007. Two months later, the patient received a renal transplant from his 70-year-old mother. The patient developed BK virus–associated nephropathy 1 year after transplantation and presented with a decline in renal function and hydronephrosis in the transplanted kidney 4 years 6 months after transplantation. Cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography revealed an irregular filling defect in the ureter graft. Cytologic diagnosis of his urine revealed a high-grade urothelial carcinoma. Computerized tomography showed a cT2 ureteral tumor and no involvement of other organs. The patient subsequently underwent a transplant nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection. Histopathologic findings revealed a high-grade urothelial carcinoma, pT2, in the ureter graft with SV40-positive staining. The patient was closely observed without adjuvant chemotherapy therapy and remained disease free 1 year after surgery. Renal transplant recipients with BK virus infection are at high risk of developing urologic malignancies. Close attention is necessary to diagnose post-transplantation urologica malignancies as early as possible.     

Laparoscopic pneumovesical ureteral tapering and reimplantation for megaureter

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic pneumovesical ureter reimplantation for congenital malformation involving the vesicoureteral junction in children.

Methods

From January 2005 to October 2010, 45 cases (comprising 61 ureters) were diagnosed as megaureter caused by vesicoureteral junction obstruction. A pneumovesical laparoscopic Cohen procedure was performed in all cases. Twelve of the ureters underwent excisional ureteral tapering. Ureteral diameters were obtained using ultrasonography and were divided into 4 groups according to the degree of dilatation.

Results

The procedure was completed in all but 2 patients, who were converted to open surgery. The mean operation time was 3.5 h (range, 2–8 h) for unilateral ureter cases, 3.7 h (range, 3.5–4.5 h) for duplicated ureter cases, and 5.4 h (range, 3.5–9 h) for bilateral cases. The mean duration of urethral catheter placement and hospital stay was 6.7 days (range, 3–14 days) and 8.3 days (range, 4–15 days), respectively. Thirty-five of the patients (48 ureters) were followed up by ultrasonography for 1–67 months (mean, 19.3 months). Ultrasound scans revealed improvement in the degree of dilatation of 32 ureters. In 1 patient, the ultrasound scan showed deterioration of ureteral dilatation. This patient developed stenosis at the neoureteral opening and underwent reoperation 6 months later. Fourteen patients were followed up by micturating cystourethrogram (MCU).Of these, 3 cases (4 ureters) exhibited reflux (2 unilateral cases of grade 1 reflux and grade 3 reflux, respectively, and 1 bilateral case of bilateral grade 1 reflux).

Conclusions

Pneumovesical ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral junction obstruction is feasible and effective. In this series, ultrasound scans showed improvement in most ureteral dilatation cases on follow-up.     

Whose Transplant Function Fails After Ureteral Revision Following Kidney Transplantation?

Background

Kidney transplantation is associated with ureteral complications in about 5% of cases. While many reasons for ureteral complications are known, it is currently unknown whether transplant outcomes are affected by operative revision of the transplanted ureter. In a retrospective analysis, we compared patients with versus without loss of transplant function after operative revision for a ureteral complication.

Patients and methods

Between 1997 and 2005, a total of 43 ureteral complications occurred in 636 patients (6.8%) after kidney transplantation. Thirty-one of 43 patients underwent open operative revision of the transplant ureter. One patient died from suicide. The remaining 30 patients were analyzed for clinical parameters and transplant outcome.

Results

At median 5-year follow-up, 18/30 patients (60%) had functioning transplants and 12/30 (40%) had returned to dialysis. Various parameters such as number of mismatches, ischemia times, number of previous transplantations, and interval from transplantation to occurrence of ureteral complication as well as posttransplant and postrevision serum creatinine values showed no influence on transplant outcomes.

Conclusions

In our retrospective analysis, transplant outcome was not affected by specific parameters associated with operative revision of the transplant ureter.     

Midpole Ureterocalycostomy for Renal Transplant Salvage: A Pediatric Case Report

Background

Ureteral obstruction is the most common urological complication of kidney transplantation. Obstruction secondary to ureteral stenosis can be an early or late complication.

Management of Urologic Complications in Renal Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction

Ureterovesical complications subsequent to renal transplantation are associated with a high morbidity leading to graft loss or even death. In the present study, the management of these complications by using interventional and surgical procedures (native pyeloureterostomy [NPUS]/ureteroureterostomy [NUU] vs ureteroneocystostomy [UNC]) was evaluated retrospectively.

Patients and Methods

Between 1994 and 2012, a total of 780 kidney transplantations (690 deceased and 90 living donors) were performed at our institution. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from patients with urologic complications were analyzed and compared.

Results

Fifty patients (6.4%) exhibited ureterovesical complications, and 18 patients (36%) were operated on immediately. In 32 (64%) of 50 patients, an interventional procedure was initially performed, with 21 patients (66%) undergoing operation due to therapy failure. NPUS/NUU and UNC were performed in 26 (66.6%) and 13 (33.3%) patients, respectively. Indications for an operation were ureteral stenosis in 12 patients (30.8%), ureteral necrosis and urine leakage in 19 patients (48.7%), and symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in 8 patients (20.5%). Long-term results were comparable between all groups.

Conclusions

Surgical revision of ureteral complications should be the standard therapy. NPUS/NUU, UNC, and the successful interventional procedures did not differ significantly in terms of long-term results.     

Is removal of the stent at the end of 2 weeks helpful to reduce infectious or urologic complications after renal transplantation?

Objective

Ureteral stents are used to reduce urologic complications after renal transplantation. However, they predispose to infection. The optimal time to keep them in the urinary tract has not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early removal at the end of 2 weeks on urinary tract infections and early urologic complications (within 3 months), such as ureteroneocyctostomy leakage as well as ureteral anastomosis stricture or obstruction.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 48 patients who underwent renal transplantation using a ureteral stent. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of stent removal: at the end of 2 weeks (group A; n = 10) versus at a later time (group B; n = 38).

Results

The urologic complication rate was 0% in group A and the urinary tract infection rate, 2%. The urologic complication rate was 0% in group B and the urinary tract infection rate, 35%.

Conclusion

Early removal of the stent at the end of 2 weeks after renal transplantation is decreased the rate of urinary tract infections.     

Initial Experience in the Use of Novel Auto-expandable Metal Ureteral Stent in the Treatment of Ureter Stenosis in Kidney Transplanted Patients

Introduction

Ureter stenosis in renal transplantation patients is a relatively frequent complication that negatively conditions graft evolution. The use of ureteral stents is a valid treatment alternative to the use of double-J catheters in patients for whom surgery is not contemplated or after surgical recurrence. We present our initial experience with five patients treated using this technique.

Externalized Percutaneous Stent Versus Internal Double J Stent: Short- and Long-term Complications After Kidney Transplantation

Background

In patients undergoing kidney transplantation, ureteral stents are an established technique to reduce major urologic complications such as leakage and stenosis of the ureter. However, the best technique for ureteral stenting remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of percutaneous ureteral stents (PS) with internal double J stents (JJS) after kidney transplantation.

Effects of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Kidney Transplantation: Risk Factors and Early and Long-Term Outcomes in a Single Center

Introduction

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) causes a high rate of delayed graft function (DGF), the most frequent complication in the immediate postoperative period after cadaveric donor kidney transplantation. Herein we evaluated the impact of donor and recipient characteristics on DGF development in terms of the incidence of acute rejection episodes, hospital stay, renal function, and long-term graft and patient survivals.

Materials and Methods

Between February 1998 and July 2011, 761 patients underwent cadaveric donor kidney transplantations. DGF was defined as the need for dialysis in the first week. Patients were subdivided according to initial graft function as immediate graft function (IGF) or DGF.

Results

DGF observed in 241 patients (31.6%) was associated independently with expanded criteria donors, extended cold ischemia time, Karpinsky histological score, and prior dialysis duration both univariate and multivariate analysis. The incidence of acute rejection episodes was 18.1% among the DGF group versus 1.3% in the IGF group (P < .01). DGF significantly reduced both graft and patient survivals at 6, 12, 36, and 60 months.

Conclusion

DGF was responsible for a longer hospital stay, worse early and long-term renal function, a higher incidence of acute rejection episodes as well as reduced graft and patient survivals.     

Comparative Urologic Complications of Ureteroneocystostomy in Kidney Transplantation: Transvesical Leadbetter-Politano Versus Extravesical Lich-Gregoir Technique

Background

The incidence of urologic complications after kidney transplantation remains high despite improvements in diagnosis and operative techniques. Urinary tract reconstruction is usually done by ureteroneocystostomy (UCNS), and several techniques are available. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of 2 different UCNS techniques performed in our department, the transvesical Leadbetter-Politano (L-P) and the extravesical Lich-Gregoire (L-G) technique.

Material and Methods

We evaluated the outcomes of 2 different UCNS techniques, L-P versus L-G, performed in our department between July 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011. During this period, we performed 524 consecutive renal transplantations—264 cases using the L-P technique (50.3%) and 260 cases with L-G technique (49.7%). Renal grafts were obtained from cadaveric donors in 146 cases (27.86%) and from living-related donors in 378 cases (72.14%). Recipient mean age was 35.64 years and the male to female ratio was 1.63:1.

Results

Urologic complications after kidney transplantation occurred in 22 cases in the L-P UCNS group (8.33%). The most common complications were ureteral stenosis (3.41%) and leakage (2.65%). Other complications recorded were lymphoceles (1.89%) and hematoma with secondary ureteral obstruction (0.38%). Compared with the L-P UCNS technique, the L-G technique was associated with fewer overall complications (6.15% vs 8.33%; P = .06), a lesser rate of ureteral stenosis (2.31% vs 3.41%; P = .08), and a similar rate of leakage. However, statistical analysis revealed no differences between the 2 techniques (P = .06). In addition, we did not note any differences in graft and patient survival between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

In our study, the extravesical L-G technique has a lower complication rate compared with transvesical L-P procedure, but without statistical differences. Furthermore, the L-G technique is easier and faster to perform, it avoids a separate cystotomy, and requires a shorter ureteral length. In conclusion, we recommend L-G technique as technique of choice in kidney transplantation.     

Experience of Combined Liver-Kidney Transplantation for Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Patients With Renal Dysfunction

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients with renal dysfunction.

Methods

From January 2001 to December 2009, 133 patients underwent OLT for ACLF at our center. Among them, 30 had both ACLF and renal dysfunction. Of the 30 patients, 12 underwent CLKT for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the other 18 with hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS1) underwent OLT alone. ACLF was defined according to the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of Liver Consensus Meeting. Clinical data were reviewed for survival outcomes.

Results

The median model for end-stage liver disease score (MELD) of patients with ACLF was 28. Among the 133 patients, all of whom received deceased donor liver grafts, 12 also got the kidney grafts from the same deceased donor. The hospital mortality rate was 21.8% for all patients with ACLF. The 5-year survival rates were 72.8% for patients without renal dysfunction and 70% for patients with renal dysfunction. The results of patients with ESRD who underwent CLKT were better than those of subjects without renal dysfunction or patients with HRS1 who underwent OLT alone.

Conclusions

OLT alone improved renal function in most patients with HRS1, including those requiring short-term hemodialysis. Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation was an excellent strategy for patients with both ACLF and ESRD. It provided protection to the kidney allograft for liver-based metabolic diseases affecting the kidney. The rate of acute rejection episodes in kidneys was low.     

Intraoperative assessment of ureter perfusion after revascularization of transplanted kidneys using intravenous indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

BackgroundKidney transplantation is the most valuable renal replacement therapy. One of the most common urologic complications following kidney transplantation is ureter anastomosis leakage, which leads to high morbidity along with kidney graft loss. We hypothesized that indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence videography can assess ureter perfusion after revascularization of transplanted kidneys.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in end-stage renal disease patients who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation at Ramathibodi Hospital from September 2019 to January 2020. The segments of transplanted ureters were categorized as having good or poor perfusion based on the percentage from ICG fluorescence videography images. Then the results from ICG fluorescence videography were compared with histopathology which is considered the gold standard.ResultsThirty-one sections of dissected ureters were evaluated from 10 patients. Compared with pathological diagnosis of ureteral ischemia, ICG videography had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and positive likelihood ratio of 100%, 92.6%, 66.7%, 100%, and 14, respectively. Accuracy was 93.6%. The area under the curve of ICG fluorescence videography was 0.96. The average ureter length that maintained good perfusion was 14 cm from the ureteropelvic junction. Adverse events from ICG were not observed in this study.ConclusionsWe conclude that ICG fluorescence videography is beneficial for detection of early ureteral ischemia in kidney transplantation patients, with negligible adverse events. However, further studies with larger numbers of patients are necessary to confirm our results and clinical outcomes regarding complication rates.     

Outcome of ureteral distensibility on the success of ureteroscopy: A prospective hospital-based descriptive study

Introduction

“Difficult ureter” is a known problem that increases the complications during ureteroscopy.

Comparison between ureteral replacements using a transverse tubularized colonic tube or ileal ureter: experimental study in dogs

Introduction

We report the comparison between ureteral replacements using a transverse tubularized colonic tube or ileal ureter in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Ten canines were studied. Four underwent ureteral substitution with an ileal ureter; 5 with a single transverse tubularized colonic tube and 1 with a double colonic transverse tubularized tube. The animals were observed for a predetermined interval of 30 days. At 30 days, the animals underwent an intravenous pyelogram, cystogram, urine analysis, and serum electrolyte sampling, and the kidney, ureteral conduit, and bladder were examined grossly and histologically.

Results

The pyelograms of both the ileal ureter and the transverse tubularized colonic tube showed prompt bilateral renal excretion. Grade 1 hydronephrosis was seen in 3 of 4 animals that received the ileal ureter and with 1 of 5 animals that received the colonic tube. Histological exam of the kidneys showed small focal areas of pyelonephritis in both groups without significant injury to the collecting tubules or glomeruli.

Discussion

The transverse tubularized colonic tube is an effective form of ureteral replacement in the animal model. The advantages of using the colon include its proximity to the ureters, the minimal mobilization needed, position outside the radiation portals, and the short colonic segment necessary.     

Duplicated Ureters in Transplantation—A Single-center,Retrospective Study

Background

Kidney transplantation remains the best therapeutic option for chronic renal failure. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of ureteral duplication in donor kidneys on transplantation outcome.

Preoperative assessment of the ureter with dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography for lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedures

Background

Performing the minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LIF), such as the extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) and oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), through a retroperitoneal approach has become increasingly popular. Although urological injury is a major complication of LIF, the anatomical location of the ureter and its risk of injury have not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography for assessing the location of the ureter and risk of its injury in consecutive LIF cases.

The Impact of Time-Zero Biopsy on Early Graft Outcomes After Living Donor Kidney Transplantation

Background

In contrast with deceased donor transplantation, the clinical significance of pathologic findings in time-zero biopsies after living donor kidney transplantation are rarely reported, due to the expectation that histologic findings and renal function are normal. The aim of this study was to identify subclinical pathologic findings in living donors and examine the effect on early graft renal function.

Methods

Between December 2006 and July 2011, 146 living-donor kidney transplant recipients were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively analyzed donor and recipient-related clinical parameters, and post-transplant 6 months and 1 year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as early graft renal function. Time-zero biopsies were evaluated using the 2007 Banff criteria.

Results

Most abnormal histologic findings were of mild degree as determined by Banff scores. Global glomerulosclerosis (GS, 35.6%), tubular atrophy (CT, 36.3%), interstitial fibrosis (CI, 20.5%), vascular fibrous intimal thickening (CV, 4.1%), arteriolar hyaline thickening (AH, 14.4%), interstitial inflammation (I, 3.4%) were pathologic findings in time-zero biopsies. The univariate analysis revealed that donor age and gender were significantly associated with eGFR at post-transplant 6 months and at 1 year (P < .05). Furthermore, GS and CT were significantly associated with early graft renal function (P < .05). However, multivariate linear regression analysis showed only donor age was significantly associated with early graft renal function (P = .001).

Conclusion

A mild degree of subclinical, pathologic findings on time-zero biopsy did not affect early graft renal function in living-donor kidney transplantation.     

Clinical correlates,outcomes and healthcare costs associated with early mechanical ventilation after kidney transplantation

Background

Information is lacking on the frequency, clinical implications, and costs of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation after kidney transplantation.

Methods

US Renal Data System records for Medicare-insured kidney transplant recipients (1995 to 2007; n = 88,392) were examined to identify post-transplantation mechanical ventilation from billing claims within 30 days after transplantation.

Results

Post-transplantation mechanical ventilation was required among 2.1% of the cohort. Independent correlates of early mechanical ventilation included recipient age, low body mass index, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Post-transplantation mechanical ventilation was twice as likely with delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio, 2.13; P < .001) and 35% lower among recipients of living versus deceased donor allografts. Patients needing early mechanical ventilation experienced 5-fold higher 1-year mortality, as well as significantly higher Medicare costs during the transplant hospitalization and first post-transplantation year.

Conclusions

Recognition of patients at risk for post-transplantation respiratory failure may help direct protocols for reducing the incidence and consequences of this complication.     

Early Complications Related to the Transplanted Kidney After Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation

Objective

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPKTx) is the most often performed multiorgan transplantation. The main source of complication is transplanted pancreas; as a result, early complications related to kidney transplant are rarely assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence, types, and severity of postoperative complications due to kidney graft among the simultaneous pancreas and kidney recipients.

Methods

Complications related to transplanted kidney among 112 SPKTx recipients were analyzed. The indication for SPKTx was end-stage diabetic nephropathy due to long-lasting diabetes type 1. The cumulative survival rates for kidney graft function and cumulative freedom from complication on days 60 and 90 after transplantation were assessed. Severity of complications was classified according to the modified Dindo-Clavien scale.

Results

The 12-month cumulative survival rate for kidney graft was 0.91. Cumulative freedom from complication on the 60th day after transplantation was 0.84. The rates for II, IIIA, IIIB, IVA, and IVB severity grades were: 34.9%, 4.3%, 26.1%, 26.1%, and 8.6%, respectively. Acute tubular necrosis and rejection were the most frequent (43.4%) cause of complication. The most frequent reasons for graft nephrectomy were infections (2/7; 28.6%) and vascular thrombosis due to atherosclerosis of recipient iliac arteries (2/7; 28.6%). The most severe (IVB) complications were caused by fungal infection.

Conclusion

Rate and severity of complications due to renal graft after SPKTx was low; however, to prevent the most serious ones reduction of fungal infection was necessary.     

Stilamin in the Treatment of Lymphatic Leaks After Living-Related Renal Transplantation

Objective

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Stilamin (Somatostatin) in the treatment of lymphatic leaks after living-related renal transplanatation.

Methods

Twenty-four patients with lymphatic leaks after kidney transplantation were recruited. All patients were treated with Stilamin and the drainage recorded.

Results

The incidence of lymphatic leaks after kidney transplantation was 3.5% usually occurring in 3–9 days after operation. Stilamin decreased the drainage dramatically and shortened the time of wound healing. In most cases, lymphatic fluid outflow was reduced by 50% after 1 day of stilamin treatment. No major adverse reactions were found except temporary hyperglycemia.

Conclusions

Stilamin administration is a safe and effective treatment for lymphorrhea after kidney transplanation.