Simultaneous renal transplantation and native nephrectomy in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

Our objective was to study the influence on transplant outcome of unilateral native nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys at the time of renal transplantation among patients with end-stage renal disease owing to autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 159 renal transplants in patients with ADPKD divided into two groups according to the need to perform a unilateral native nephrectomy owing to enlarged kidneys (N+; n = 143) versus those not (N0; n = 16) needing this procedure. Parameters related to the donors, grafts, recipients, and operative data were correlated with short- and long-term outcomes. The groups were homogeneous in terms of recipient and donor ages, genders, HLA compatibilities, and length of pretransplant dialysis. RESULTS: When no nephrectomy was needed surgery length was shorter (N0, 3.01 vs. N+, 4.23 hours; P < .001), less intraoperative crystalloids were infused (N0, 1.84 vs. N+, 2.76 L; P < .001), and less plasma (N0, 2.07 vs. N+, 2.93 U; P < .05), or blood (N0, 1.05 vs. N+, 1.81 U; P < .05) transfusions were required. Hospital stay was similar (N0, 12.70 vs N+, 16.50 days; P not significant [NS]). There was only one urologic complication in the nephrectomy group. There were no differences (P = NS) in rates of delayed graft function (N0, 19.9%; N+, 12.5%), acute rejections (N0, 25.5%; N0, 33.3%), chronic allograft dysfunction (N0, 15.8%; N+, 28.6%). Graft function at 1 month as well as 1 and 5 years were comparable. Patient and graft survivals were similar at 1 and 5 years. There were no differences in the causes of graft loss or patient death. CONCLUSION: In patients with ADPKD native nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys may be safely performed during the transplant procedure with no repercussions on the length of hospital stay, graft short- and long-term function and patient survival. However the procedure eads to a longer operative time and greater need for fluids and blood products.