Kidney Autotransplantation Research Articles

A proof-of-concept preclinical study using a novel thermal iso-lation device in a porcine kidney auto-transplantation model

A proof-of-concept preclinical study using a novel thermal iso-lation device in a porcine kidney auto-transplantation model

Surgical corrections of long ureteral defects (initial experience)

Introduction: Restoration of patency of ureters with long defects is one of the major problems in urology. There are cases when it is impossible to perform plastic surgery of ureter with own tissues or bladder; in these situations, appendicoureteroplasty or kidney autotransplantation can be promising solutions. Material and methods: 4 patients underwent surgical corrections or ureter strictures: two underwent appendicoureteroplasty and two – kidney autotransplantation. To verify the diagnosis of long ureteral defects, standard research methods were used: ante- and retrograde pyeloureterography. Results and discussion: In the early postoperative period, all patients underwent dynamic ultrasonography of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space; in addition, hemodynamics parameters as well as clinical and biochemical laboratory blood parameters were monitored. The early postoperative period in three patients proceeded with no incidents and did not require serious additional studies. In one patient after appendicoureteroplasty dynamic intestinal obstruction developed on the third day post-op, which was resolved conservatively. In the late postoperative period the condition of the patients was satisfactory. There are few articles describing surgical interventions that can treat long ureteral defects, with appendiculoplasty and kidney autotransplantation being the most effective. However, each procedure has own advantages and disadvantages, as well as risks. Conclusion: In our study, we performed these two methods with two patients for each method. Results are promising, but for a better statistical analysis and more thorough follow-up we need more patients for both appendiculoplasty and kidney autotransplantation.

Kidney Autotransplantation and Orthotopic Kidney Transplantation: Two Different Approaches for Complex Cases.

Introduction Transplantation surgery teams often have to face complex cases. In certain circumstances, such as occlusion of the iliac vessels or prior pelvic surgery, heterotopic kidney transplantation may not be feasible and orthotopic kidney transplantation (OKT) could be a good alternative. Kidney autotransplantation (KAT) has been described as a potential treatment for complex renovascular, ureteral, or neoplastic conditions. There are scarce data regarding the complications and outcomes of these procedures; therefore, we present our experience. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analysed the medical records of both 21 patients who had received OKT and 19 patients who underwent KAT between 1993 and 2020. We collected demographic features and data regarding surgical technique, complications, and graft outcomes. Kidney graft survival was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results Regarding OKT, in 15 (71.43%) cases, it was the first kidney transplantation. The most common indication was the unsuitable iliac region due to vascular abnormalities (57.14%). The early postoperative complication rate was high (66.67%), with 23.81% of Clavien grade 3b complications. During the follow-up period (mean 5.76 -SD 6.15- years), we detected 9 (42.85%) graft losses. At 1 year, the survival rate was 84.9%. Concerning KAT, the most frequent indication was ureteral pathology (52.63%), followed by vascular lesions (42.11%). The overall early complication rate was 42.11%. During the follow-up period (mean of 4.47 years), 4 (15.79%) graft losses were reported. Conclusions Although OKT and KAT have high complication rates, these techniques can be considered as two valuable approaches for complex cases, in the absence of other therapeutic options.

Kidney Autotransplantation in the Management of Residual Retroperitoneal Mass in a Germ Cell Tumor

The main indication for kidney autotransplantation is ureteric disease, although it is also performed to treat renovascular diseases or neoplasms, such as complex intrasinusal kidney tumors or in patients with a solitary kidney. Only a few cases of kidney autotransplantation in the context of resectionof complex retroperitoneal masses have been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 26-year-old man with history of nonseminomatous germ cell tumor who had undergone a left radical orchiectomy 3 months earlier. Follow-up computed tomography revealed a residual retroperitoneal postchemotherapy mass involving the renal hilum. It was surgically removed via en bloc resection and benchex vivo nephron-sparingsurgery,and subsequently autotransplantation, therebyavoidingthe necessity of nephrectomy and the resulting risk of chronic kidney disease. The pathology of the excised specimen demonstrated mixed germ cell tumor, composed of immature teratoma and yolk sac tumor, and confirmed tumor-free margins. CONCLUSIONS: This technique should be taken into account in selected patients as an alternative to radical nephrectomy when a retroperitoneal tumor is unresectable using standard surgical techniques or when a radical nephrectomy is considered, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease or solitary kidney, or in young patients who will potentially need nephrotoxic chemotherapy.

Analysis of DCD porcine kidney graft viability during sub-normothermic perfusion using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

Abstract Objective Better preservation strategies for the storage of donation after circulatory death grafts could increase the number of kidneys available and improve patient survival. Warm (22°C and 37°C) ex-vivo perfusion has emerged as an alternative to hypothermia and a feasible strategy to recover/repair organs, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, using magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy (MRIs), we evaluated kidney viability, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production during sub-normothermic ex-vivo kidney perfusion (22°C + O2) versus hypothermic machine perfusion (4°C and 4°C + O2) in a porcine kidney autotransplantation model. Methods To mimic donation after circulatory death (DCD), kidneys from 8-month-old pigs underwent 60 minutes of warm ischemia, prior to procurement. Kidneys were then perfused ex-vivo at 4°C with (4°C + O2), and without oxygen (4°C) or at 22°C (22°C + O2) before autotransplantation. During the ex-vivo perfusion, and after transplantation we assessed energy metabolites using MRIs. In addition, we performed Gadolinum (Gd) perfusion sequences. Each sample underwent histopathological analyzing and scoring. mRNA expression was analyzed on renal biopsies at various time points. Results Using MRI, we found that in pig kidney, total ATP content was 4 times higher during ex-vivo perfusion at sub-normothermic temperature compared to cold perfusion, with or without oxygen. At 22°C, ATP levels gradually increased up to 10 hrs of perfusion, then progressively declined. Similarly, AMP content was increased in SNOP perfused organs, then slowly consumed. over time. In addition, 22°C + O2 improved cortical and medullary perfusion (Gd elimination). Finally, sub-normothermic ex-vivo perfused graft had lower grade of histological damages 1 hour after transplantation compared to cold perfused organs (injury score 22°C + O2 : 8.8–12.2, 4°C : 13.5–18.8, 4°C + O2 : 17.5–18.5). Conclusion In kidneys, sub-normothermic perfusion improved graft viability when compared with hypothermic perfusions. These results suggest that sub-normothermic ex-vivo kidney perfusion might dampen the negative effect of warm ischemia and promote kidney metabolism such as ATP production. Future clinical studies will define the benefits of sub-normothermic ex-vivo kidney perfusion in improving kidney graft function, and patient's survival.

Renal Artery Repair with Kidney Autotransplantation for Renal Artery Aneurysms

Kidney autotransplantation (ATx) is a treatment option for distal renal artery aneurysm (RAA). This systematic review evaluated the indications, treatment strategy, and outcome of kidney ATx to verify the value of this procedure in treating RAA.

Ex vivo Repair of Renal Artery Branch Aneurysm in Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Renal artery aneurysm is a rare disorder with an incidence of < 1%. We describe a case of fibromuscular dysplasia with right renal artery branch aneurysm, who had uncontrolled renovascular hypertension. The patient was successfully managed with ex vivo repair and reconstruction of the renal artery using reverse saphenous vein graft, followed by autotransplantation of the right kidney. Although surgically demanding, the technique is feasible and yielded good results.

MP005 - Pushing boundaries in extracorporeal Robot-Assisted Kidney Autotransplantation (eRAKAT): Bench surgery for an oncologic partial nephrectomy in a patient with a solitary kidney.

MP005 - Pushing boundaries in extracorporeal Robot-Assisted Kidney Autotransplantation (eRAKAT): Bench surgery for an oncologic partial nephrectomy in a patient with a solitary kidney.

Kidney autotransplantation: a method for treating ureteral lesions in urological and oncological practice

The first successful kidney autotransplantation was performed in 1902. The technique has undergone several changes since then. The indications and surgical technique are presented in this literature review. Kidney autotransplantation is the treatment of choice for preserving renal function. Three clinical observations on the use of kidney autotransplantation in urological and oncological practice are described: a patient after iatrogenic ureteral injury and two patients with primary retroperitoneal tumor. Literature analysis and clinical observations from urological and oncological practice show that kidney autotransplantation could be safely used for strictly selected indications.

Multimodal Repair of Renal Artery Aneurysm – 10-year Single Center Experience

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare disease with various treatment options in indicated patients. In the current survey, the 10-year experience in treatment of RAAs using different endovascular and surgical treatments depending on RAA characteristics is discussed. All patients undergone RAA treatment via endovascular or surgical approaches at our center between January 2010 and December 2020 were enrolled. Patient demographics and peri-operative and late results were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Eleven patients with RAA underwent treatment as follows: 4 patients received endovascular approach, 4 patients underwent in-situ RAA repair, and kidney autotransplantations were carried out in 3 patients. In all three treatment groups, the first therapeutic attempt was successful and none of the patients underwent secondary intervention due to RAA. Kidney autotransplantation was associated with a higher blood loss and a longer time of procedure compared to that of endovascular approach and in-situ repair. In-hospital postoperative complications were reported in 5 patients, including renal pole perfusion defect, renal artery thrombosis, and urinary tract infection. No acute kidney organ loss was seen, but 1 patient suffered from chronic kidney loss due to renal artery occlusion. In 1 patient undergoing autotransplantation, ureter anastomosis was reported, which led to acute renal failure, and a surgical treatment with resection and reanastomosis of the ureter was necessary. Hypertension was not resolved after RAA repair in any of the patients with preoperative hypertension. RAA treatment selection depends on patient characteristics, anatomy, location, and arising branches of the aneurysm. In cases with complex anatomy, treatment strategy could not be just decided based on consensus guidelines, but a multidisciplinary team is required. Interventional therapies showed excellent results in non-complicated proximal aneurysms, especially regarding the length of hospital stay and postoperative morbidities. Open surgery is a complementary alternative in cases where minimally invasive therapy is not possible. Ex-situ repair with autotransplantation could be considered for anatomically complex distal aneurysms.

VE03 - Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal robot-assisted kidney auto transplantation: Experience of the ERUS RAKT working group

VE03 - Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal robot-assisted kidney auto transplantation: Experience of the ERUS RAKT working group

Renal Autotransplantation for The Treatment of Renal Artery Aneurysm

Renal artery aneurysms are a rare condition; however, the rate of diagnosis has been increasing, because of the increasing use of complementary diagnostic methods. The best treatment strategy for RAAs remains controversial. Data on ex-vivo surgery associated with kidney autotransplantation are scarce. As a result, the goal of this study was to describe this technique and to report our results. A retrospective monocentric study was undertaken using the clinical records and images of 35 patients diagnosed with renal artery aneurysm from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2018. Indications for ex vivo surgery and autotransplantation were complex aneurysms with diameter >20 mm or rapid growth or symptomatic aneurysms or women wishing to become pregnant. Complex aneurysms were defined by anatomical criteria (bifurcation of the renal artery and its primary branches or hilar aneurysms) and/or physiological criteria (when time of warm ischemia in in-situ reconstruction is expected to last more than 45 minutes). The technique of ex-vivo surgery and autotransplantation consists of performing a nephrectomy, renal cooling, treatment of aneurysm in banking and implantation of the kidney in the homolateral iliac fossa. A total of 35 patients with 56 renal artery aneurysms (26 women, mean age 52.4 years-minimum and maximum 16 and 74 years) were included. Of these, 27 were treated by surgery and 8 were followed clinically. Among those treated surgically, 24 performed ex vivo surgery associated with autotransplantation. Regarding ex vivo surgery, nephrectomy was performed by laparoscopic surgery in 24 of the 27 surgeries, the mean surgical time was 5.3 hours, the median warm ischemia time was 4 minutes and the length of hospital stay was 12.2 days. Mortality was 0% and the kidney patency rate was 93% with a follow up of 47.2 months. Of the 17 patients with hypertension, 6 cured it, 4 improved and 7 maintained hypertension. Kidney autotransplantation appears to be efficient for most complex RAA with the possibility to minimize surgical aggression by performing laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Prolonged Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion Is Superior to Cold Nonoxygenated and Oxygenated Machine Perfusion for the Preservation of DCD Porcine Kidney Grafts.

Background.The increased usage of marginal grafts has triggered interest in perfused kidney preservation to minimize graft injury. We used a donation after circulatory death (DCD) porcine kidney autotransplantation model to compare 3 of the most frequently used ex vivo kidney perfusion techniques: nonoxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion (non-oxHMP), oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion (oxHMP), and normothermic ex vivo kidney perfusion (NEVKP).Methods.Following 30 min of warm ischemia, grafts were retrieved and preserved with either 16 h of non-oxHMP, oxHMP, or NEVKP (n = 5 per group). After contralateral nephrectomy, grafts were autotransplanted and animals were followed for 8 d. Kidney function and injury markers were compared between groups.Results.NEVKP demonstrated a significant reduction in preservation injury compared with either cold preservation method. Grafts preserved by NEVKP showed superior function with lower peak serum creatinine (NEVKP versus non-oxHMP versus oxHMP: 3.66 ± 1.33 mg/dL, 8.82 ± 3.17 mg/dL, and 9.02 ± 5.5 mg/dL) and more rapid recovery. The NEVKP group demonstrated significantly increased creatinine clearance on postoperative day 3 compared with the cold perfused groups. Tubular injury scores on postoperative day 8 were similar in all groups.Conclusions.Addition of oxygen during HMP did not reduce preservation injury of DCD kidney grafts. Grafts preserved with prolonged NEVKP demonstrated superior initial graft function compared with grafts preserved with non-oxHMP or oxHMP in a model of pig DCD kidney transplantation.

V02-05 INTRACORPOREAL AND EXTRACORPOREAL ROBOT-ASSISTED KIDNEY AUTO-TRANSPLANTATION: EXPERIENCE OF THE ERUS RAKT WORKING GROUP

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Kidney auto-transplantation is a useful technique to be reserved for cases where kidney function is compromised by a complex anatomical configuration, such as long ureter...

Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Robot-assisted Kidney Autotransplantation: Experience of the ERUS RAKT Working Group

BackgroundKidney autotransplantation is a useful technique to be reserved for cases in which kidney function is compromised by a complex anatomical configuration, such as long ureteral strictures and renal vascular anomalies not suitable for in situ reconstruction. Robot-assisted kidney autotransplantation (RAKAT) presents a novel, minimally invasive, and highly accurate approach. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to present the largest cohort of patients who underwent either extracorporeal (eRAKAT) or intracorporeal (iRAKAT) RAKAT, to confirm safety and feasibility and to compare the two approaches. Design, setting, and participantsWe retrospectively analyzed prospectively followed patients undergoing eRAKAT and totally intracorporeal RAKAT in a total of three institutions. Surgical procedureExtracorporeal RAKAT and iRAKAT. MeasurementsSurgical and functional outcomes of patients subjected to eRAKAT and iRAKAT were measured. Results and limitationsBetween January 2017 and February 2021, 29 patients underwent RAKAT: 15 eRAKAT and 14 iRAKAT. No statistical difference in the preoperative data was recorded. The analysis of intraoperative variables showed a statistically significant difference between eRAKAT and iRAKAT in cold ischemia time (median [interquartile range {IQR}]: 151 [125–199] vs 27.5 [20–55]; p < 0.001) and total ischemia time (median [IQR]: 196.2 [182–241] vs 81.5 [73–88]; p < 0.001). However, faster renal function recovery in favor of eRAKAT was observed during the first 90 d, with comparable renal function at 1 yr. The 90-d Clavien-Dindo >2 complications were 13.8%. It is important to stress that RAKAT, and above all iRAKAT, should be performed by surgeons with experience in robotic renal, vascular, and transplant surgery. ConclusionsBoth eRAKAT and iRAKAT represent promising minimally invasive techniques in selected cases with acceptable ischemia time and comparable long-term operative outcomes. Patient summaryIn selected patients, both extra- and intracorporeal robot-assisted kidney autotransplantation represent valid alternatives in case of long ureteral strictures and renal vascular anomalies not suitable for in situ reconstruction.

Лапароскопическая буккальная пластика проксимального отдела мочеточника

Introduction In patients with long ureteral strictures, bowel substitution of the ureter or kidney autotransplantation can be performed, which are technically demanding. For recurrent uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and proximal ureteral strictures, substitution of the ureter using buccal graft may be an alternative. Aim to study the results of laparoscopic ureteral substitution in patients with long proximal ureteral strictures using buccal graft. Material and methods Laparoscopic ureteral substitution of the ureter using buccal graft was performed in 10 patients with long proximal ureteral strictures, 7 of them were men. The average age was 43.5 years. In 6 patients there was a recurrence after previous pyeloplasty, while 3 patients had ureteroscopy due to upper ureteral stone and one patient had ureteral trauma during laparoscopic excision of the kidney cyst. Three patients were admitted to the hospital with nephrostomy tube, seven with a ureteral stent. Using a laparoscopic approach, an affected part of the ureter was dissected along its length, then a stent was placed antegrade and the ureter was substituted with buccal graft using the onlay technique. Results All patients underwent laparoscopic intervention. There were no intraoperative complications. The duration of the procedure ranged from 170 to 340 minutes. There were no cases of anastomotic leakage. Fever was observed in one patient without nephrostomy drainage (Clavien grade I). On intravenous pyelography and computed tomography, the neoureter was wide and patent. In patients with PUJO, a severity of dilation of the collecting system was decreased over time. Clinically, all procedures were successful, as patients were free of nephrostomy tube and symptoms of upper urinary tract obstruction. Conclusion Ureteral substitution using buccal graft may be the method of choice in patients with long proximal ureteral strictures. It is relatively easy, since it does not require extensive dissection of the ureter and provides for the possibility of using buccal graft of the desired length.

V52 - Bench surgery and kidney auto-transplantation in rescue of germ-cell residual mass. 3D models utility in surgical planning

V52 - Bench surgery and kidney auto-transplantation in rescue of germ-cell residual mass. 3D models utility in surgical planning

Renal autotransplantation – reappraisal of an old technique

Abstract Objective Transplantation of the patient’s own kidney into the iliac fossa has been described already more than 50 years ago, predominately for the treatment of renal trauma or peripheral renal artery aneurysms. The technique is however rarely used. We describe our experience with renal autotransplantation. Methods Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients. Results We performed renal autotransplantation in 3 patients from 2017-2019. The first patient was a 72y old male who had previously multiple stents placed in both renal arteries for renal artery stenosis and presented with a high grade in-stent stenosis of the right renal artery, complete occlusion of the left renal artery and left renal atrophy. The second patient was a 56y old male who presented with a 29mm aneurysm in the bifurcation of the left renal artery. The third patient was a 29y female with Takayasu disease, who had undergone endarterectomy of the abdominal aorta and vein bypass to the left renal artery as a child and stenting of the abdominal aorta for restenosis. She presented with aneurysmatic dilatation and high-grade restenosis of the vein bypass to the left renal artery. In the first two patients, laparoscopic nephrectomy via a retroperitoneal approach was performed as for living donor nephrectomy. The patient with the renal artery aneurysm had back table resection of the aneurysm and reconstruction by forming a common ostium of the two branch arteries. In the third patient, we explanted the kidney via laparotomy. In all patients, the kidney was perfused with cooled organ preservation solution after a brief period of warm ischemia and transplanted in the iliac fossa in standard fashion. After a median follow-up of 20 months (range 9-31) all autotransplanted kidneys showed good perfusion with no signs of renal artery stenosis. Median creatinine clearance was 97ml/min/1.7m2 (range 59-118). Conclusion Renal autotransplantation is a safe and durable procedure worth remembering when evaluating the treatment options of complex renal artery pathologies. Its use can also be envisaged for the treatment of complex renal trauma or complex ureter lesions.

Treatment of kidney stone in a kidney-autotransplanted patient with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy

We report a case of a 7-year-old child with urolithiasis in autotransplanted kidney treated with minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy. The patient presented with hematuria and graft hydronephrosis. Diagnostic procedures revealed ureterolithiasis as a cause of obstruction and blood in urine. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy was successfully performed and during surgery, all stone fragments were removed.

Management of long ureteral stenosis: Alternatives to indwelling ureteral stents

Evaluate kidney autotransplantation (KAT) and ileal ureter substitution (IUS) practice and outcome as alternatives to indwelling ureteral stents for the management of long ureteral stenosis (US). We included all patients treated for US with KAT or IUS in 5 French university urology centers between 2010 and 2018. We excluded US due to urothelial carcinoma. Primary endpoint was the preservation of ipsilateral kidney and renal function without any urinary diversion. 22 patients were treated with KAT (n=8, 36.4%) and IUS (n=14, 63.6%). Mean US length was 4.6cm and 6cm (P=0.52) in KAT and IUS groups respectively. US etiologies were lithiasis, iatrogenic, retroperitoneal fibrosis or extrinsic compression. US level was varied. The surgery was described as difficult because of peritoneal adhesions or major peri-ureteral fibrosis. Mean operating time and hospital stay were 336 and 346minutes (P=0.87) and 8 and 15 days respectively (P=0.001). Postoperative complications were mostly Clavien ≤2 (n=17, 77.3%). Revision surgery was required in the KAT group in 3 cases (37.5%), for textiles, renal vein thrombosis and anastomotic leak, none in the IUS group. The mean follow-up was 15.7 months. All but one (in the KAT group) ipsilateral kidneys were preserved, without renal function impairment (Δcreat +2.1 vs. +2.4μmol/l respectively, P=0.67), nor urinary diversion. KAT and IUS are safe alternatives whose indication depends on surgeons expertise. Our study pointed out the scarcity of this practice suggesting the need to refer patients to expert centers. 3.