Related Experiment Videos
Ureteroscopic evaluation in renal transplant recipients
J J Del Pizzo1, S C Jacobs, G N Sklar
1Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA.
Journal of Endourology
|June 2, 1998
Summary
Ureteroscopy offers a safe and effective endoscopic approach for diagnosing and treating renal transplant ureteral complications. This minimally invasive technique provides acceptable outcomes with low morbidity compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Transplant Surgery
- Endourology
Background:
- Renal and ureteral complications are significant concerns in renal transplant recipients.
- Percutaneous and antegrade interventions are established but associated with considerable morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of diagnostic and therapeutic ureteroscopy in renal allograft ureters.
- To compare ureteroscopy with existing percutaneous and antegrade approaches.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 540 renal allografts between July 1991 and September 1996.
- Analysis of 14 patients who underwent endoscopic intervention for ureteral complications.
- Ureteropyeloscopy was performed for indications including calculi, migrated stents, suspicious cytology, funguria, and filling defects.
Main Results:
- Ureteropyeloscopy was successful in 93% of cases, achieving a diagnosis in all instances.
- Endoscopic removal of ureteral calculi and migrated stents was highly successful.
- Treatment of funguria and identification of urothelial pathology were achieved.
- The only complication was ureteral perforation in a case of allograft ureteral necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Transplant ureteral endoscopy is technically demanding but feasible.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic ureteroscopy offers acceptable outcomes and minimal morbidity.
- Ureteroscopy is a viable alternative to percutaneous and antegrade interventions for managing renal allograft ureteral issues.