Microvascular techniques for polar artery reconstruction in kidney transplants.

The complications of ureteral ischemia make revascularization of polar vessels attractive in cadaver and live-related transplants. Thirty-two patients underwent reconstruction of polar vessels of 1.2 to 2.5 mm, in diameter after revascularization of the major vessels as follows: (1) inferior epigastric artery to polar artery, ten patients - six cadaver transplants, four living-related transplants (The vessels are spatulated and sutured precisely by microvascular techniques with Nos. 7-0 or 8-0 Tevdek); (2) polar vessel with a patch of aorta to iliac artery, one patient - living relative donor; (3) polar artery to the main renal artery or branch, 17 patients - 14 cadaver transplants, three living-related transplants [A Waters "MOX"-100 machine is used with cryoprecipitated plasma (800 mg. of SoluMedrol and 80 U. of insulin added) for preservation.]; (4) autogenous saphenous vein graft, two patients - one child receiving on adult live-related kidney and one cadaver transplant with three arteries and a stenosis of the inferior polar vessel; (5) polar artery to vein patch in iliac artery, two patients - cadaver transplants. Follow-up was done by arteriography (18 patients), direct observation (two patients), and by use of ultrasound (one patient). The remaining 11 patients have exhibited no evidence of occlusion. Twenty of 21 patients exhibited patent vessels; one thrombosed at the time of the transplant operation. Long-term patency in those patients studied was 95%. We advocate small-vessel reconstruction in human renal transplantation, either during ex vivo preservation (workbench surgery) or at the time of transplantation.

Selective embolization of vascular complications following renal biopsy of the transplant kidney.

The incidence of postbiopsy vascular lesions of the transplanted kidney is unknown. The complications of these lesions should be promptly recognized and treatment initiated when indicated. We have found transplant angiography and selective arterial embolization to be a safe and effective modality.

Urolithiasis on absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials in the rabbit bladder.

Absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials were evaluated for calculi formation and tissue reactivity in the rabbit bladder. Five-O chromic, polydioxinone and polypropylene sutures were used to close cystostomies made in New Zealand white rabbits. Bladders were evaluated at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. Calculi formed on all sutures tested and the persistence of calculi appeared to be dependent on the longevity of the suture material used. This data suggests that the use of non-absorbable suture material in urologic surgery may contribute to calculus formation.

Experience with pyeloureterostomy associated with simple ligation of native ureter without ipsilateral nephrectomy in renal transplantation.

Ureteroneocystostomy was used as the primary method of urinary tract reconstruction in 282 allograft renal transplants at our center since 1965. A nonrefluxing anastomosis was incorporated whenever possible. Seven patients who suffered major urological complications involving the ureteroneocystostomy required pyeloureterostomy as the method of repair using the patient's distal native ureter. No ipsilateral nephrectomy was performed and simple ligation of the native ureter with nonabsorbable suture was accomplished. Of the 7 patients 3 suffered hydronephrosis of the native kidney. None of these patients had signs or symptoms secondary to acute and chronic ureteral occlusion. Our experience suggests that intentional ligation of the native ureter during pyeloureterostomy does not result in increased morbidity to the transplant patient, and that the need for ipsilateral nephrectomy with its own added morbidity may not be necessary.

Sodium-losing nephropathy and nephrocalcinosis after transplantation.

Severe, prolonged sodium-wasting (up to 38% FENa) occurred in a man after he received a cadaveric-donor kidney. Posttransplantation supplementation with large amounts of saline and/or salt tablets was mandatory. Fludrocortisone had no clinically apparent effect. Plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration were markedly increased. As chronic rejection progressed, the syndrome ameliorated. Renal biopsy showed cellular rejection and nephrocalcinosis.