Objective: Ureteric obstruction in renal transplant allografts secondary to strictures can pose a challenging problem.
Its incidence is reported between 0.5 and 4.7%. Usually, open surgical repair is performed. We present a series of patients where a metal Memokath™ 051 stent has been used as a minimal invasive treatment alternative.
Material and Methods: We analysed our prospective database on the use of thermo-expandable metallic Memokath™ 051 stents for ureteric strictures in renal transplant patients.
Results: Between 2003 and 2010, eight male kidney recipients with a mean age of 49 years and obstructed ureters following kidney transplantation have been treated with ureteric Memokath insertion. In 6 patients, the obstruction was at the level of the anastomosis, and in 2 at the pelvi-ureteric junction. After a mean follow up of 4.5 years, half of the stents are in situ providing a good graft function. The average indwelling time is 4 years. Spontaneous resolution of the stricture without the need for further stenting was seen in three patients after a mean indwelling time of 7.3 months. There was one treatment failure in a patient with an obstructed, dilated and convoluted ureter which was unable to withhold the stent in situ. No peri-operative complications were recorded in this series. The overall success rate was 87%.
Conclusion: Ureteric stenting with the Memokath™ 051 is a safe minimal invasive treatment alternative for ureteric strictures in renal transplant recipients.
Written by:
Bach C, Kabir M, Goyal A, Malliwal R, Kachrilas S, El Howairis ME, Junaid I, Masood J, Buchholz N. Are you the author?
Barts Health NHS Trust, Department of Urology, Endourology & Stone Services, London, United Kingdom.
Reference: J Endourol. 2013 Oct 9. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1089/end.2013-0180.ECC13
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24106798
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