Indications for and results of renal autotransplantation

Abstract

Purpose of review: To understand the indications and outcomes of renal autotransplantation, and when to consider this unique procedure for patients.

Recent findings: Renal autotransplantation confers acceptably low rates of graft failure and prevents need for long-term dialysis. Renal autotransplantation remains an important management strategy in very select patients for complex renovascular disease, ureteral stricture disease, ureteral trauma, upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and Loin-Pain Hematuria Syndrome. With advancements in minimally invasive procedures, the application of renal autotransplantation for refractory stone disease is rare but exists. Robot-assisted laparoscopic renal autotransplantation demonstrates reproducible graft success and complication rates with improved perioperative outcomes (ex. hospital length of stay) - though comparative studies are lacking. Patients would benefit from a multidisciplinary approach from renal transplant surgeons, vascular surgeons, urologists, nephrologists, dieticians, pain management providers, social workers, and psychiatrists.

Summary: In experienced hands, renal autotransplantation is a reasonable treatment approach for complex and refractory renal vascular disease, Loin-Pain Hematuria Syndrome, ureteral strictures and trauma, upper urinary tract malignancy, and stone disease in highly select patients.