Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplant After Bricker Loop Urinary Diversion: A Case Report

Exp Clin Transplant. 2019 Oct;17(5):685-687. doi: 10.6002/ect.2018.0100. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Abstract

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant is the ultimate therapy for patients who have uncontrolled and complicated type 1 diabetes mellitus with end-stage renal disease. The combined pancreas transplant provides a euglycemic milieu for the kidney and protects it from recurrence of diabetic complications. Our patient, a 41-year-old woman with end-stage diabetic nephropathy and history of multiple abdominal surgeries (ovarian cyst fenestration, adnexal extirpation, abdominal wall reconstruction), including urinary diversion (Bricker loop, above double J stent), underwent simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant. After reperfusion, the kidney had immediate function and creatinine levels dropped to normal levels during the early postoperative period (creatinine of 102 μmol/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate of 52 mL/min/1.73 m2) and remained stable during follow-up. Serum glucose levels dropped to within normal ranges postoperatively and remained so during follow-up. The postoperative course was complicated by hydronephrosis due to transient edema of the anastomosis of the ureter to the Bricker loop, after early incidental removal of the double J catheter. This was successfully treated with a temporary percutaneous nephrostomy. Multiple previous surgeries, including a Bricker deviation, may not be a definitive contraindication for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant. In selected cases, special considerations may lead to a successful procedure providing better quality of life and life expectancy, even for patients with multiple comorbidities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / surgery*
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / complications*
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Pancreas Transplantation*
  • Urinary Diversion* / methods