A new technique for the treatment of ureteric stricture after kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic treatments with Allium® metal ureteric stent (AMUS) for ureteric strictures after kidney transplantation (KT).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

In a prospective manner, we gathered clinical data from 68 patients who underwent endoscopic treatments with AMUS for ureteric strictures after KT between January 2019 and March 2022. The definition of surgical success was the unobstructed drainage of the AMUS, or in cases where there was AMUS migration, occlusion or encrustation and subsequently removed, there is no worsening of renal hydronephrosis in the patient during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Based on the specific circumstances of the ureteric strictures, three distinct types of surgery were selected for treatment. The overall success rate of endoscopic treatments for ureteric strictures following KT was 90% (61/68) during a follow-up period of 1 year. Surgical complications included haematuria (18%), pain (10%), urinary tract infections (7.4%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (7.4%). The incidences of stent migration, occlusion, and encrustation were 10%, 2.9%, and 1.5%, respectively. Postoperatively, significant improvements were observed in various parameters. At 1 month after surgery, there was a notable decrease in blood creatinine levels (105.5 vs 90.4 mol/L), urea nitrogen levels (6.6 vs 5.4 mmol/L), and hydronephrosis volume (64.4 vs 43.9 mL). Additionally, the serum estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 49.5 to 64.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. The follow-up results of patients at 1 year after surgery were similar to those observed at 1 month after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic endoscopic treatments with AMUS were found to be safe and effective for ureteric strictures after KT with short-term follow-ups. This technique offers a novel option for the treatment of post-KT strictures.