Kidney autotransplantation in a patient with renal pelvic and bladder carcinomas

A 66-year-old Japanese woman, whose left kidney was non-functioning, was referred to us with a diagnosis of invasive bladder carcinoma and right renal pelvic carcinoma. The latter tumor was clearly packed in the renal calyx and was considered to be of low-grade malignancy. Nephron preserving surgery of the right kidney was performed, followed by radical cystectomy and construction of an ileal conduit. The postoperative course was good, without significant complications. Renal function was restored and a postoperative imaging study showed a well-functioning transplanted kidney. At present (20 months after surgery), the patient is doing well and has presented no signs of recurrence of the disease.