Endoscopic incision in the treatment of ureterovesical anastomosis site obstruction in transplanted kidneys

Abstract

Objective To report the clinical outcomes of applying endoscopic incision in the treatment of ureterovesical anastomosis site obstruction in transplanted kidneys. Methods Between February 2001 and April 2008, 13 men and 5 women with ureterovesical anastomotic site obstruction in their transplanted kidneys were treated by endoscopic incision with electrocautery or holmium: YAG laser. After the anastomosis was completely resected, two Double-J stents were placed in the ureter for 6-8 weeks. During follow-up, renal function, ultrasound examination and wash-out renal scintig-raphy were performed every month for the first 6 months, then every 3 months. Results Total 25 procedures of endoureterotomy were performed and all procedures resulted in successful incision of the obstruction. No complication was recorded during or after the procedure. At the mean follow-up of 51 months (range 4-90 months), 5 patients presented with recurred obstructive uropathy immediately after the Double-J stent removal and finally underwent open surgical correction. Conclusions Endo-scopic incision is safe and effective in the treatment of ureterovesical anastomosis site obstruction in transplanted kidney. However, open surgical reconstruction should be considered if endoscopic inci-sion procedure has failed. Key words: Kidney transplantation; Ureteral obstruction; Stomas; Endoscopic therapy