Primary percutaneous treatment of transplant ureteral strictures using tandem stents

Abstract

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.