Renal transplantation using ileal conduits in 5 cases

We report our experience with 5 cases of renal transplantation into ileal conduits and review the literature. In 2 cases a modified surgical procedure was used, which combines a groin extraperitoneal approach for the vascular portion of the operation and a peritoneal window for the anastomosis between the urinary collecting system and the ileal loop. Of our 5 patients 3 are alive with functioning grafts, 1 has undergone retransplantation and 1 with a functioning kidney died of sepsis originating in a decubitus ulcer. Two patients had conduit-related complications. In our literature review of 16 reports 52 per cent of 68 patients were alive with functioning grafts and 32 per cent had conduit-related complications, usually involving urosepsis, calculous disease or stenosis. With a high index of suspicion, and an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these problems, a good prognosis can be expected when transplantation is performed in these patients.