Secondary pyeloureterostomy after ureter necrosis in renal transplant recipients

After kidney transplantation, urological complications account for significant morbidity necessitating reoperation in a substantial number of patients. In cases with urinary tract necrosis after renal transplantation secondary pyeloureterostomy represents an accepted method for urinary tract reconstruction. In our institution 2% of all kidney grafts required secondary pyeloureterostomy. In all cases the recipient's own ureter was investigated before reoperation by retrograde pyeloureterography. Pyeloureterostomy was performed with a standard technic, the recipients own kidney being removed in all but 5 patients. All 25 patients had normal kidney function immediately after secondary pyeloureterostomy. Urological complications occurred in 7 patients (anastomotic leakages in 4, stenosis in 3); 5 out of 7 complications were managed conservatively (nephrostomy, transureteral stenting). Two patients needed reexploration for reanastomosis. Our results confirm the simple and safe technic of pyeloureterostomy for urinary reconstruction in patients with ureter necrosis after renal transplantation.