Comparing Taguchi and anterior Lich-Gregoir ureterovesical reimplantation techniques for kidney transplantation

Urologic complications are common in renal transplant surgery. Numerous innovations have been developed to circumvent ureterovesical anastomotic failure. In addition to the popular modified Lich-Gregoir technique, we evaluated Taguchi's method which is both quick and easy to perform. One hundred forty four patients were prospectively compared using Taguchi (n = 44) or the modified Lich-Gregoir (n = 100) for anastomotic time, which differed significantly (10.2 minutes for Taguchi, vs. 24.6 minutes to Lich-Gregoir; P < .005). Minor complications, however, were less among Lich-Gregoir patients (P < .02). We concluded to continue using the modified Lich-Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy despite taking longer time to perform.