Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy with kidney transplantation in patients with ESRD due to ADPKD: A single-center experience

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic disease (ADPKD) may require bilateral nephrectomy (BN) in addition to kidney transplantation (KT) for symptom control. This study aims to compare simultaneous BNKT to contemporaneous controls by reviewing our cohort of ADPKD patients who underwent KT from a living donor from January 2014 to October 2019. Symptomatic patients who underwent laparoscopic BNKT were compared to KT alone. Clinical differences related to undertaking bilateral nephrectomies showed increased total kidney volumes (P < .001). We assessed operative parameters, complications, and clinical outcomes. The complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system. In 148 transplant recipients, 51 underwent BNKT, and 97 KT alone. There was no difference in baseline demographics. BNKT recipients had longer cold ischemia time, required more ICU care, increased blood transfusions and longer hospital stays. The kidney function was similar in the first year in both groups, with no difference in delayed graft function, readmissions or severe grade III and IV complications within 3 months after surgery. Laparoscopic BNKT is safe and feasible at the time of living donor KT. Although higher acuity care is needed with a longer initial hospital stay, there are comparable posttransplant patient and allograft outcomes.     

Limitations of laparoscopy for bilateral nephrectomy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

PURPOSE: We retrospectively studied outcomes following bilateral hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 18 patients with symptomatic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who underwent bilateral hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. Preoperative radiographic imaging was reviewed retrospectively to determine kidney size based on an ellipsoid shape. A visual analog pain scale with scores of 0 to 10 to assess pain related to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease was measured preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Average patient age was 48.2 years (range 30 to 64). Of the patients 14 successfully underwent bilateral hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, while 4 required open conversion. A total of 16 patients underwent nephrectomy for pain and 2 underwent surgery for frequent recurrent symptomatic urinary tract infections. All patients except 1 underwent renal transplantation before bilateral nephrectomy. There was a significant difference in the volume of the right and left kidneys between the hand assisted laparoscopic and open groups (mean +/- SD 1,043 +/- 672 and 1,058 +/- 603.8 vs 4,052 +/- 548 and 3,592 +/- 1,752 cm(3), p <0.001 and 0.06 respectively). There were 5 complications, including wound infection and protracted ileus in 2 patients each, and incisional hernia in 1. In addition, the difference in mean preoperative and postoperative visual analog pain scores was statistically significant (6.9, range 3 to 10 and 0.5, range 0 to 2, p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral laparoscopic hand assisted nephrectomy is a safe and reliable option in patients requiring removal of the 2 kidneys in a single setting. Rather than performing staged nephrectomies, hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy allows the single administration of general anesthesia and provides effective relief of bothersome symptoms in patients with symptomatic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. This procedure is safe in patients with renal transplants. Patients with massive polycystic kidneys with a kidney volume of greater than 3,500 cc are at increased risk for open conversion and they may have improved outcomes if open nephrectomy is attempted from the outset.     

Pretransplant laparoscopic nephrectomy in adult polycystic kidney disease: a single centre experience

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with pretransplant laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), as ADPKD often progresses to end‐stage renal disease and most azotaemic patients with ADPKD have enlarged kidneys, making graft placement difficult.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 13 patients with renal failure attributable to ADPKD who underwent pretransplant laparoscopic nephrectomy (21 renal units) from August 2002 to December 2006. Five patients had a unilateral nephrectomy, seven had a staged bilateral nephrectomy, and one had a simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy. All patients underwent subsequent living‐related renal transplantation. The operative duration, haemoglobin decrease, blood transfusion, hospital stay, analgesic requirement and time to receipt of a transplant were compared with those of patients who underwent open pretransplant nephrectomy (14 patients) from 1984 to 2001.

RESULTS

Kidneys of a size to interfere with graft placement were the commonest indication for surgery (eight patients). In comparison with open surgery, the mean (sd ) hospital stay at 9.26 (2.9) vs 4.86 (0.9) days, analgesic requirement at 320 (120) vs 221 (120.5) mg of tramadol, blood transfusion rate at 1.3 (0.5) vs 0.9 (0.6) units, period to receive a graft kidney at 29.77 (4.6) vs 9.14 (3.38) days, were significantly less with laparoscopy. The complications noted were single instances of splenic capsular tear, pleural tear, sub‐acute intestinal obstruction and vena caval injury.

CONCLUSION

Pretransplant laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with ADPKD has all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery such as reduced intraoperative blood loss and minimal postoperative pain leading to early and faster convalescence. These benefits help in decreasing the period between nephrectomy and transplantation. The surgeon needs to have considerable experience in laparoscopy before embarking on laparoscopic pretransplant nephrectomy.     

Native nephrectomy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: before or after kidney transplantation?

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? The indications and timing of native nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is controversial, especially for those undergoing renal transplantation. Post‐transplant unilateral native nephrectomy appears to be the preferred intervention compared to pre‐transplant native nephrectomy. There seems to be substantial additive risk to bilateral over unilateral nephrectomy, especially prior to transplantation. Pre‐transplant native nephrectomy should only be carried out when there are clear indications such as massive size preventing allograft placement, severe pain, early satiety, recurrent bleeding and infections, or suspected malignancy.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse indications, timing and outcomes of native nephrectomy in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients listed for kidney transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all ADPKD patients who had a native nephrectomy prior to or following transplantation between January 2003 and December 2009 at a single centre, including those undergoing the sandwich technique (removal of the most severely affected native kidney prior to transplantation, and the other afterwards), was undertaken.

RESULTS

There were 35 individuals in our cohort (M : F = 16 : 19), with a median age of 51.5 years (range 43–65). Twenty patients were in the pre‐transplant nephrectomy group, 12 in the post‐transplant group, and three underwent the sandwich technique. Indications for nephrectomy varied but were most commonly pain/discomfort, space for transplantation, ongoing haematuria, recurrent infections, and gastrointestinal pressure symptoms (early satiety). Seven individuals in the pre‐transplant group and three in the post‐transplant group required critical care admission after nephrectomy. Transient renal graft dysfunction occurred in two post‐transplant bilateral nephrectomy patients. Two patients in the bilateral nephrectomy pre‐transplant group and one in the bilateral nephrectomy post‐transplant group died in the immediate post‐operative period. No complications were noted in the sandwich technique group.

CONCLUSION

Native nephrectomy in ADPKD is a major undertaking associated with significant morbidity especially in the pre‐transplant group. Post‐transplant unilateral nephrectomy appears to be the safest approach with fewest complications.     

LAPAROSCOPIC BILATERAL HAND ASSISTED NEPHRECTOMY FOR AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE: INITIAL EXPERIENCE

PURPOSE: The laparoscopic technique for bilateral nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is technically difficult. The procedure may be more acceptable if alterations to the technique made it safer and easier to perform. We describe our initial experience with, and the feasibility and potential benefits of hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy for approaching these large kidneys in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This approach was successfully applied in 3 patients with end stage renal disease due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. After obtaining transumbilical pneumoperitoneum ports were placed in the umbilicus (12 mm.), sub-xiphoid in the midline (12 mm.) and subcostal in the midclavicular line on each side (12 mm.). The table was tilted 40 degrees away from the planned side of initial nephrectomy with the patient in the half lateral position. A 7 cm. midline incision was made that incorporated the umbilical port and a commercially available hand assistance device was positioned. One surgeon hand was inserted into the abdomen to serve as a retractor/blunt dissector, while the other operated the electrosurgical instruments. The right hand was inserted for left nephrectomy and the left hand was inserted for right nephrectomy. The laparoscope was passed via the sub-xiphoid port and the instruments were placed through the ipsilateral subcostal laparoscopic port. Nephrectomy was completed and the specimen was removed through the hand port incision by draining the cysts as they were exposed to view via the midline incision. When dissection was difficult, an additional port was placed in the anterior axillary line at the umbilical level. Some cysts were ruptured or aspirated to decrease overall kidney size and make extraction possible via the 6 to 7 cm. midline incision. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed. Mean operative time for bilateral hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy was 5.5 hours (range 4.5 to 6.6). Estimated blood loss was 200 cc or less. Patients resumed oral intake on postoperative day 1. The mean amount of parenteral analgesics required postoperatively was decreased. Mean hospital stay was 4.3 days but it was 3 days when considering nephrectomy only. Patients returned to normal activity after an average of 2 weeks. There was sustained resolution of preoperative discomfort based on pain analog scales. At 1 month or less all patients recorded absent pain. They uniformly noticed improved preoperative pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms CONCLUSIONS: Hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease makes bilateral nephrectomy a reasonable option. The bilateral procedure may be performed as rapidly as laparoscopic only, unilateral nephrectomy in these cases. The advantages of the hand assisted approach include using tactile sensation to facilitate dissection, rapid blunt finger dissection, hand retraction and the application of immediate tamponade when needed. This procedure provides the benefits of minimal intraoperative blood loss, minimal postoperative pain, brief hospital stay and rapid convalescence in this group of patients at high risk.     

Trasplante renal y poliquistosis: consideraciones quirúrgicas

BackgroundThe indication and timing of nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) remain controversial, especially in patients who are candidates to renal transplantation (RT). The main surgical options such as unilateral vs. bilateral nephrectomy, nephrectomy before vs. after RT, or simultaneous nephrectomy and transplantation, are herein discussed.ObjectiveEvidence acquisition of the best surgical management available for ADPKD in the context of kidney transplantation.Acquisition of evidenceSystematic literature review in PubMed from 1978 to 2013 was conducted. Articles selected included:randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Furthermore, well designed ADPKD reviews were considered for this study.Synthesis of evidenceLaparoscopic nephrectomy in ADPKD is a safe procedure with an acceptable complication rate. Unilateral nephrectomy has advantages over the bilateral one regarding theperioperative complication rate. Although the timing of nephrectomy is controversial, it seems that simultaneous nephrectomy and renal transplantation does not increase surgical morbidity neither affect graft survival.ConclusionsSimultaneous nephrectomy and RT appears to be an acceptable alternative to conventional two-stage procedure without any increased morbidity, in the context of ADPKD. Furthermore, laparoscopic nephrectomy performed in experienced centres is a safe alternative to conventional approach.     

多囊肾患者肾移植术后的临床效果

目的:探讨多囊肾患者肾移植的特点、并发症及其对移植效果的影响。方法:回顾性分析了42例多囊肾患者和80例非多囊肾患者肾移植的临床资料。对两组患者的术后并发症以及1年和5年的人、肾存活率进行比较。同时对多囊肾组术前切除原肾和不切除原肾的患者进行比较。结果:两组患者在术后移植肾功能延迟恢复,急性排斥反应,心脑血管并发症以及肺部感染的发生率上均无显著性差异。多囊肾组患者术后的泌尿系感染的发生率高于对照组(P<0.05)。多囊肾组和对照组患者,1年和5年人存活率分别为95.24%与97.50%和83.81%与88.92%;1年和5年肾存活率分别为90.48%与94.97%和69.55%与66.54%。多囊肾组术前切除原肾和不切除原肾的两组患者间,上述并发症以及人、肾存活率差异均无统计学意义。结论:多囊肾患者接受肾移植是可行的,术后的人肾存活率与对照组比较差异无统计学意义,不切除原病变肾脏能收到满意的移植效果。多囊肾患者肾移植术后易发生泌尿系感染,应积极采取有效的防治措施。     

Simultaneous Robotic-Assisted Bilateral Native Nephrectomy and Kidney Transplantation for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in Recipients With High Body Mass Index: Report of 2 Cases

Robotic kidney transplantation is a safe, reproducible, and less morbid technique in high body mass index and end-stage renal disease. Polycystic kidney disease is a relative contraindication to robotic-assisted kidney transplantation because of the mass effect of the native kidneys on the patient's pelvis that prevents ideal exposure.We report the first 2 cases of robotic-assisted simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy and kidney transplantation for patients with obesity and adult polycystic kidney disease. The recipients were 2 males, 50 and 53 years old, with a body mass index of 35.1 41.6 kg/m² and 41.6 kg/m², respectively. Both recipients had suitable living donors. The average operating time was 395 minutes and the estimated blood loss was on average 250 mL. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patients were discharged home on days 4 and 5.Performing robotic nephrectomies simultaneously with kidney transplantation can be done safely, allowing patients with obesity and polycystic kidney disease needing bilateral nephrectomy, to take full advantage of minimally invasive kidney transplantation.     

Renal vein extension using an autologous renal vein in a living donor with double inferior vena cava: a case report

Background

When the kidney from a living donor with a double inferior vena cava (IVC) is harvested for renal transplantation, the short length of the renal vein may eventually create a technical problem for graft implantation. Herein, we have reported a rare case of renal vein extension using an autologous renal vein in a living donor with a double IVC.

Case Report

A 70-year-old man with end-stage renal disease owing to autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease underwent a living donor kidney graft from his wife who had a double IVC. Because of the enlarged kidneys, the patient underwent a bilateral native nephrectomy with concomitant renal transplantation to create space in the pelvis. At nephrectomy, the recipient's renal vein was used to extend the donor renal vein. On the back table, the vein graft was sutured to the donor renal vein, permitting a 3.0-cm extension.

Results

The transplantation was performed safely without any complications; the recipient's renal function and blood flow were excellent after the operation.

Conclusion

This case illustrated that an autologous renal vein graft is a preferable option to extend of short donor renal vein for recipients who require a simultaneous native nephrectomy.     

Simultaneous vs. sequential laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy and renal transplantation

We reviewed our experience with simultaneous single incision bilateral native nephrectomy and renal transplantation in 11 patients (Group 1), compared to seven recipients who underwent staged laparoscopic bilateral nephrectomy followed by kidney transplantation (Group 2). Mean age, donor source, sex, cause of ESRD, and specimen size were similar in both groups (P=0.1). All Group 2 patients and 9 of 11 Group 1 patients had autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. Perioperative Group 1 complications included: bowel injury, transplant urine leak, necrotic pancreatitis, delayed bowel movement, and severe shoulder pain secondary to diaphragmatic irritation. Seven (63.6%) Group 1 patients required an additional surgical procedure: midline incisional hernia, repair ureteral fistula, and repair enterocutaneous fistula. One Group 1 patient lost his graft secondary to bowel injury and intra-abdominal sepsis. No major complications, reoperations, or graft loss occurred in Group 2. For simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy and kidney transplantation, over 60% of patients required an additional surgical procedure. Laparoscopic bilateral nephrectomy followed by kidney transplantation is a safe and feasible alternative.     

Concomitant nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys and renal transplantation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES: We compared perioperative and intraoperative data of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who received a renal allograft without native nephrectomy with ADPKD patients who underwent concomitant native nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys and renal transplantation to determine whether the latter approach is reasonable and safe. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1987 to December 2003, 13 patients with ESRD due to ADPKD were stratified as 6 patients who underwent bilateral and 7 patients who underwent unilateral native nephrectomy in conjunction with renal transplantation (group A), versus 20 patients with ESRD due to ADPKD underwent renal transplantation without native nephrectomy (group B). Operative time, need for intraoperative transfusion, time to oral intake, duration of hospital stay, serum creatinine level on the day of discharge, readmission rate, and postoperative complications were compared for both groups. RESULTS: Mean intraoperative duration was significantly longer for patients in group A, but there was no statistically significant difference in the findings between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant native nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys at the time of renal transplantation is reasonable and safe for patients with ESRD due to ADPKD.     

End stage polycystic kidney disease: indications and timing of native nephrectomy relative to kidney transplantation

PURPOSE: We evaluated the indications for and outcome of pre-transplant, concomitant and post-transplant native nephrectomy in patients with end stage polycystic kidney disease (PCKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 32 patients were retrospectively reviewed using the electronic database at our institution. RESULTS: Between January 1992 and December 2002, 171 patients with end stage PCKD received a kidney transplant at University of California-San Francisco. A total of 32 patients (18.7%) underwent pre-transplant (7, group 1), concomitant (16, group 2) or post-transplant (9, group 3) native nephrectomy. Of these patients 25 underwent bilateral nephrectomy. Median followup was 18 months. Indications for nephrectomy were hematuria, a renal mass and chronic pain in group 1, lack of space in group 2 and urinary tract infection in group 3. Mean operative time +/- SEM was 231 +/- 14, 370 +/- 24 and 208 +/- 14 minutes in groups 1 to 3, respectively (p = 0.001). Mean intraoperative blood loss was 533 +/- 105, 573 +/- 155 and 522 +/- 181 ml in groups 1 to 3, respectively (p not significant). Two group 2 patients required blood transfusions. Postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention included wound dehiscence in group 1 and abdominal bleeding in group 3. Mean hospital stay was comparable among groups 1 to 3 at 7 +/- 0.7, 8.6 +/- 1.2 and 6.3 +/- 0.6 days, respectively (p not significant). At 3 months mean serum creatinine was not significantly different between groups 2 and 3 at 1.3 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.2 mg/dl, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral or bilateral nephrectomy for PCKD at transplantation is safe in terms of postoperative patient morbidity and graft function. We perform concomitant native nephrectomy when indicated, preferably in recipients of living donor kidney transplants.     

Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy: Low Surgical Risk for High-quality Grafts

Renal transplantation is most important for patients with end-stage renal disease to preserve their survival and quality of life. Living donation has decisive advantages over deceased donor kidney transplantation, and with the continuing organ shortage, it also can reduce the number of patients waiting for an organ. The major problem with living kidney donation is that a healthy person has to undergo a substantial surgical procedure to provide the organ for transplantation; therefore, a nephrectomy technique that is associated with the lowest surgical risk for the donor and the best organ quality for the recipient should be used. Since its introduction by Ratner and colleagues in 1995, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has become the technique of choice at many major transplant centres. The aim is to achieve less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalisation time, more rapid return to normal activities, a more cosmetically acceptable incision, and, in particular, a greater patient acceptance. All techniques for living donor nephrectomy (open donor nephrectomy, “pure” laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy via natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery or laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, and retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy) achieve good results, in so far as they are performed at specialised centres. Perioperative complications are rare, and the quality of the grafts is excellent. Renal graft function is specified at up to 96% at 1 yr and 85% at 5 yr after living donor kidney transplantation.Patient summaryLiving donation has decisive advantages over deceased donor kidney transplantation. When performed at specialised centres, living donor nephrectomy achieves good results, with few perioperative complications and excellent graft quality.     

Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: a comparison with the conventional open approach

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy is an emerging technique that has not yet gained widespread acceptance in the transplant community due to perceived technical difficulties. However, the potential advantages of decreasing donor morbidity, decreasing hospital stay and improving convalescence while producing a functional kidney for the recipient may prove to enhance living related renal transplantation. We report our early experience with laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 50 consecutive laparoscopic nephrectomies performed from October 1998 to May 2000 and compared them with 50 consecutive open donor nephrectomies, which served as historical controls. RESULTS: Donor age, donor sex and number of HLA mismatches did not differ statistically in the 2 groups. In the laparoscopic and open nephrectomy groups mean followup was 109 and 331 days (p = 0.0001), mean operative time was 234 and 208 minutes (p = 0.0068), mean estimated blood loss was 114 and 193 ml (p = 0.0001), and mean hospital stay was 3.5 and 4.7 days (p = 0.0001), respectively. Average renal warm ischemia time was 2.8 minutes in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group. Serum creatinine did not differ statistically in the 2 groups preoperatively or postoperatively at days 1 and 5, and 1 month. The rate of recipient ureteral complications in the laparoscopic and open nephrectomy groups was 2% (1 of 50 cases) and 6% (3 of 50), respectively (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy is an attractive alternative to open donor nephrectomy. Laparoscopic nephrectomy results in less postoperative discomfort, an improved cosmetic result and more rapid recovery for the donor with equivalent functional results and complications.     

The Impact of Living Donor Nephrectomy With Multiple Renal Arteries on Graft Function and Complications in Renal Transplantation

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the early outcome of living donor kidney transplantation using allografts with a single artery and multiple arteries.MethodsFrom February 2018 to December 2019, a total of 62 patients underwent living donor nephrectomy at our institution: 20 multiple artery donor nephrectomies (MADNs) and 42 single artery donor nephrectomies (SADNs). All operations were performed by the same surgeon as the laparoscopic procedure. The MADN and SADN groups were compared regarding donor and recipient hospital stay, operative time, warm ischemia time, and postoperative complications with Clavien-Dindo classification. Graft function was evaluated considering episodes of acute tubular necrosis during the first week, delayed graft function, serum creatinine (SCr), and glomerular filtration rate for 6 months after transplantation.ResultsSixty-two patients were included in this study. There was no difference in terms of age, sex, body mass index, nephrectomy side, smoking status, preoperative SCr, or preoperative glomerular filtration rate between the 2 groups. Warm ischemia time and operation time were statistically significantly higher in the MADN group (P < .001 and P < .001). Regarding graft function, the prevalence of acute tubular necrosis did not differ between groups. There was also no significant difference in the acute rejection or mortality rates after transplantation. Although SCr levels were lower in multiple renal artery recipients, there was no statistical difference during the 6 months of follow-up. Recipient morbidity and mortality were not different between the 2 groups.ConclusionsRenal allograft transplantation with multiple renal arteries can be performed with reasonable complications and acceptable results.     

Case report: bilateral hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in a patient with polycystic horseshoe kidney

PURPOSE: To report the use of the hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) technique for removal of a horseshoe kidney in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). CASE REPORT: Hospital and outpatient records were reviewed for a 65-year-old man with end-stage renal disease secondary to ADPKD who underwent HAL bilateral nephrectomy of his horseshoe kidney in preparation for kidney transplantation. The surgical method is described. It was completed successfully with an operative time of 280 minutes and an estimated blood loss of 350 mL. CONCLUSION: Bilateral HAL nephrectomy can be considered as an option for surgical removal of very large polycystic horseshoe kidneys.     

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: impact on an established renal transplant program

The current disparity of viable organs and patients in need of a transplant has been an impetus for innovative measures. Live donor renal transplantation offers significant advantages compared with cadaveric donor transplantation: increased graft and patient survival, diminution in incidence of delayed graft function, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), and reduction in waiting time. Notwithstanding these gains live donors continue to be underutilized and account for only approximately one quarter of all renal transplants performed in the United States. It has been felt that inherent disincentives to live donation have slowed its growth. These include degree and duration of postoperative pain and convalescence, child care concerns, cosmetic concerns, and time until return to full activities and employment. In an attempt to curtail the disincentives to live donation, laparoscopic live donation (laparoscopic donor nephrectomy; LDN) was developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of our first 25 laparoscopic nephrectomies (performed over a 10-month period from September 1998 through July 1999) with the previous 25 standard open donor nephrectomies (ODNs) completed over the past 3 years. We conducted a retrospective review of all donor nephrectomies and recipient pairs performed over the past 3 years. End points included sex, operative time, length of stay, immediate and long-term renal function, and willingness to donate. There were no differences in demographics of the ODN versus the LDN group. The average length of stay was 2.48+/-0.72 days for the LDN versus 4.08+/-0.28 days for the ODN. ODN and LDN have comparable short- and long-term function with no delayed graft function and no complications. Growth of living donor transplant has increased from 16 per cent of all kidney transplants performed in 1995 to 23 per cent in 1999. We conclude that LDN is a viable alternative to the standard donor operation. LDN has had a positive impact on the donor pool by minimizing disincentives to live donation. With the initiation of our laparoscopic program the number of LDNs has increased. Presently the live donor pool is the most viable alternative to significantly increase the number of kidneys for transplantation.     

Embolization of Polycystic Kidneys as an Alternative to Nephrectomy Before Renal Transplantation: A Pilot Study

In autosomal polycystic kidney disease, nephrectomy is required before transplantation if kidney volume is excessive. We evaluated the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) to obtain sufficient volume reduction for graft implantation. From March 2007 to December 2009, 25 patients with kidneys descending below the iliac crest had unilateral renal TAE associated with a postembolization syndrome protocol. Volume reduction was evaluated by CT before, 3, and 6 months after embolization. The strategy was considered a success if the temporary contraindication for renal transplantation could be withdrawn within 6 months after TAE. TAE was well tolerated and the objective was reached in 21 patients. The temporary contraindication for transplantation was withdrawn within 3 months after TAE in 9 patients and within 6 months in 12 additional patients. The mean reduction in volume was 42% at 3 months (p = 0.01) and 54% at 6 months (p = 0.001). One patient required a cyst sclerosis to reach the objective. The absence of sufficient volume reduction was due to an excessive basal renal volume, a missed accessory artery and/or renal artery revascularization. Embolization of enlarged polycystic kidneys appears to be an advantageous alternative to nephrectomy before renal transplantation.     

Management of end-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with hemodialysis and transplantation

This is an analysis of the outcome of 35 patients with end-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) during a 10-year period. The primary treatment in each case was hemodialysis. In the 15 patients managed exclusively with hemodialysis the one- and five-year actuarial survival was 93% and 77% respectively. Twenty patients ultimately received a total of 26 cadaveric renal allografts. Graft survival at one year was 76%. One- and five-year patient survival was 92% and 73% respectively. Beyond 5 years a trend towards increased survival in the transplant group was seen, compared with the exclusively hemodialyzed group. Bilateral nephrectomy prior to transplantation was associated with high morbidity and mortality, and did not change either graft or patient survival. In view of the similar survival and because it is accepted that transplantation offers the highest quality of life amongst the modalities of treatment for end-stage renal failure, transplantation should be considered the treatment of choice for end-stage ADPKD. There is no justification for routine bilateral nephrectomy before renal transplantation.     

Successful renal contraction therapy in polycystic kidney patient with renal transcatheter arterial embolization prior to ABO incompatible kidney transplantation

28-year-old female received dialysis treatment due to chronic renal failure caused by polycystic kidney disease. Later, she underwent a laparoscopic splenectomy and ABO incompatible living kidney transplantation successfully following bilateral renal contraction therapy with renal transcatheter arterial embolization (renal TAE). A unilateral or bilateral native nephrectomy of a massively enlarged kidney performed at the time of renal transplantation is a common treatment in polycystic kidney patients scheduled for transplantation. On the other hand, when treated with renal TAE, such patients can avoid a laparotomy, which provides several advantages when undergoing peritoneal dialysis in the future or a laparoscopic splenectomy prior to ABO incompatible kidney transplantation. Furthermore, we consider that bilateral renal TAE is necessary for polycystic kidney patients prior to renal transplantation for a variety of reasons, including problems associated with contrast nephropathy if renal TAE for left kidney is remained after renal transplantation.