Endoscopic Treatment for Post-Transplant Vesicoureteral Reflux

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most common ureteric complications after kidney transplantation that might cause symptomatic infections which deteriorate graft function. Surgical reimplantation has been the standard treatment; recently, endoscopic injection has been an alternative approach. We report our endoscopic treatment results and analyze the long-term outcome, even in patients with less optimal graft function.

A total of 16 patients and 19 symptomatic VUR were diagnosed at mean time of 88.3 months after their transplantation. The distribution of VUR grade was 1, 2, 8, 6, and 2 for grade I to V, respectively, with a mean VUR grade of 3.26 according to their voiding cystourethrogram images. Endoscopic Deflux injections were performed by a single urologist via rigid cystoscope with a beveled needle system. They were followed monthly thereafter.

The average number of admissions due to symptomatic urinary tract infection was 2.68/person, and the mean creatinine level before endoscopic treatment was 1.63 mg/dL. The amount of Deflux injection was 0.7 to 1.2 mL per affected ureter; the mean creatinine level after endoscopic treatment was 1.41 mg/dL. The eGFR remained stationary in both eGFR > 60 and eGFR < 60 mL/min groups with a clinical success rate of 75% in both groups.

Endoscopic dextranomer-hyaluronic acid injection is a safe and feasible treatment option for VUR after kidney transplantation. Our data showed its efficacy in recipients whose eGFR is less than 60 mL/min.