PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of primary (first-occurrence) treatment of renal transplant ureteral strictures using tandem parallel internal double-pigtail stents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective electronic chart review, including demographics, medical history, stricture intervention, and outcomes, was performed of patients with renal transplants with first-occurrence ureteral obstructions or leaks reported in a transplant nephrology database over a 4-year period, with a focus on patients treated primarily with tandem stents.
RESULTS: Of 27 patients with first-occurrence ureteral obstruction or ureteral leak, 18 (67%) were treated primarily using tandem internal stents, with 15 (83%) of 18 stent-free for a minimum 90 days of follow-up. There was no significant difference between outcomes for male versus female patients (P> .99) or early versus late strictures (P = .53). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occurred in 14 (78%) of 18 patients with tandem stents in place. Four patients were hospitalized< 48 hours with UTI and sepsis; there were no other major complications.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with renal transplants can be successfully managed nonsurgically using tandem ureteral stents for the primary treatment of first-occurrence ureteral stricture. These patients may require more intensive monitoring for UTIs.
Written by:
Kriegshauser JS, Naidu SG, Heilman RL, Huettl EA, Ferlic EA, Castle EP, Hentz JG. Are you the author?
Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
Reference: J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2013 Apr 15. pii: S1051-0443(13)00625-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2013.02.019
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23597775
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