Urologic complications in over 1000 kidney transplants performed at the Saint Barnabas healthcare system

Abstract

We report the complication rate based on one urologist’s experience over a 9-year period including over 1000 ureteral reimplants performed at the time of kidney transplantation. Among 1083 ureteral reimplant operations, there was a 4.3% urologic complication rate, including a 2.7% ureteral stricture rate and a less than 1% rate each of urine leak ureteropelvic junction obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux and clot obstruction.The factors that lead to a low urologic complication rate are believed to be the use of short ureteral segment using the Lich (compared to the Politano-Leadbetter) technique and the routine use of indwelling stents. In addition, a consistency in results was attributed to one transplant urologist performing all ureteral reimplants and managing all urologic complications.