Background: From limited exposure with management of the native distal ureter ipsilateral to the transplanted kidney, we usually choose open nephroureterectomy (NU) or laparoscopic NU combined with an open approach in renal transplant (RTx) recipients. We herein describe our preliminary experience with total endoscopic NU with bladder cuff (BC) excision and evaluate its feasibility for RTx recipients.
Methods: From August 2008 to June 2011, eight RTx recipients underwent total endoscopic NU with BC excision for clinically presumed native upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC) ipsilateral to the transplanted kidney. Cystoscopic circumferential excision of the ipsilateral ureteral orifice with BC was followed by retroperitoneal laparoscopic NU using early ureteral ligation without primary BC closure. The intact specimen was removed through a 3-cm flank incision (an enlarged trocar site). Perioperative and pathological data and oncological outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results: All endoscopic procedures were completed successfully without major complications and with open conversion. The mean estimated blood loss was 100 ml with no blood transfusion. The mean operating room time was 234.8 minutes, mean time to ambulation was 2.6 days, and mean hospital stay was 9.0 days. Pathological findings confirmed UUT-UC in seven recipients, two with bladder UC. During the mean 25.2-month follow-up, none of the recipients developed recurrence, while two developed contralateral UUT-UC after the first NU.
Conclusion: Total endoscopic NU with BC excision is technically feasible and safe for RTx recipients.