Taguchi versus Lich-Grégoir Extravesical Ureteroneocystostomy in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteric implantation of the transplanted ureter into native urinary bladder tissue in kidney transplantation recipients is essential for post-operative kidney function. We aimed to determine the effects of Taguchi versus Lich-Grégoir extravesical ureteroneocystostomy in kidney transplantation. METHODS: We searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science), trial registries, and conference proceedings until March 2021. We included prospective studies comparing Taguchi and Lich-Grégoir ureteroneocystostomy in kidney transplantation. Two review authors independently screened the identified records, extracted data, evaluated the risk of bias using ROBINS-I, and assessed the certainty of evidence according to GRADE. RESULTS: We identified 3 prospective studies with serious or critical risk of bias, leading to low-certainty evidence. We downgraded the risk of bias due to study limitations. Assessment and/or reporting of baseline imbalances, co-interventions, and confounding factors was insufficient in all included studies. The effect of Taguchi ureteroneocystostomy remains unclear. CONCLUSION: Currently available evidence is not useful to determine the effect of Taguchi versus Lich-Grégoir ureteroneocystostomy in kidney transplantation. There is a need for methodologically better designed and executed studies, such as randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up reporting baseline imbalances, co-interventions, and confounding factors.

A New Approach to the Hostile Bladder in Transplantation.

The intravesical and extravesical techniques for ureteral reimplantation, traditionally described, cannot be applied to a very small, contracted bladder, especially in the morbidly obese patient. An alternative approach using a pull-through technique of ureterocystostomy is described in 6 patients with excellent 2-year follow-up.

A case of allograft ureteral stone successfully treated with antegrade ureteroscopic lithotripsy: use of a 3D-printed model to determine the ideal approach.

We present the case of a 46-year-old man who underwent successful antegrade ureteroscopy for lithiasis in his allograft ureter. At a scheduled follow-up 15 years after transplantation, computed tomography (CT) detected a 12-mm renal stone in the renal pelvis of the transplanted kidney. During his follow-up, gross hematuria was seen; the stone moved to the ureter, causing hydronephrosis. Ultrasound and non-contrast CT revealed hydronephrosis and a 15-mm stone in the transplanted ureter. Considering the stone size, location, and the difficulty of the access to the anastomosed ureteral orifice, percutaneous ureteroscopic approach was planned. Due to the anatomical difficulty regarding his allograft kidney, we planned to prepare a 3D image and model for selecting the best percutaneous approach. The procedure was performed and a stone-free status was acquired without complication. Under precise simulation, we performed successful antegrade ureteroscopy for lithiasis in the allograft ureter supported by 3D imaging. Use of a 3D printed model may aid in a safe and effective procedure for lithiasis in the allograft kidney and ureter.

Ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of augmented bladders during kidney transplantation: a review of urological complications and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In patients with bladder augmentation undergoing kidney transplantation, conventional technique recommends anastomosing the transplanted ureter to the bladder. We report our technique of ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of the enterocystoplasty, and review the urological outcomes of transplantation in these patients. METHODS: Seven patients (mean age: 26 years (range 24-54 years), two females, five deceased donors) with augmented cystoplasty and subsequent kidney transplantation by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Following standard vascular anastomosis and reperfusion of the transplanted kidney, ureteric implantation involved continuous 5/0 polydiaoxanone anastomosis between the spatulated ureter and full thickness bowel portion of the cystoplasty over a 6-Fr double J stent. A second peri-anastomosis layer of bowel plication was performed to prevent reflux using interrupted 3/0 vicryl sutures. Short-term urological and kidney function outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Causes of renal failure included: posterior urethral valve with reflux nephropathy (two patients), bilateral vesicoureteric reflux (two patients), lumbosacral agenesis with neurogenic bladder (one patient), tuberculosis of the urinary tract with post-infective ureteric stricture (one patient), and lupus nephritis (one patient). Bladder reconstruction was performed at median duration of 103 months (35-171 months) before transplantation. Gastrocystoplasty was performed in two patients while colon and/or ileum were used in the remaining six. After transplantation, all reconstructed bladders except one had a Mitrofanoff for clean intermittent self-catheterization, 5-8 times per day. There were no post-operative ureteric/surgical complications. Delayed graft function occurred in three of seven patients. 30-day asymptomatic bacteriuria rate was three out of seven after stent removal. 1-year post-transplantation, patient and graft survival were 100%. Mean serum creatinine was 142.7 (standard deviation: 51.48). Median number of hospital admissions for urinary tract infections was 0.225 (range 0-0.40). Over a median follow-up period of 4 years (2-7 years), one graft failed from acute T-cell-mediated rejection. This patient passed away from cardio-respiratory collapse after a seizure, 35 months post-transplantation. As of June 2018, the other six kidney grafts were functioning. No complications including calculi formation and/or malignancy were reported. CONCLUSION: In patients with previously augmented bladders now undergoing kidney transplantation, ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of the cystoplasty appears to be safe.

Total proximal ureter substitution using buccal mucosa.

The surgical treatment of a long proximal ureteral stricture is a challenging situation for reconstructive surgeons. Despite the underlying morbidities, ileal interposition and autotransplantation are the options available to treat complex cases of long segment ureteral stricture. Buccal mucosa has shown excellent results in urethroplasty. However, its use in ureteral reconstruction is infrequent. We report on a 64-year-old female patient with multiple comorbidities and prior abdominal surgeries for Crohn's disease who underwent a successful total substitution of a long segment of the proximal ureter using buccal mucosa. Regular postoperative isotope scans showed improvement in renal function. Based on the pleasant outcome of this case and review of the literature, buccal mucosa might be a viable option with low morbidity in selected cases.

Ureteral Papilla Implantation as a Technique for Neoureterocystostomy in Cats Undergoing Renal Transplantation: 30 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical outcome of donor and recipient cats undergoing ureteral papilla harvest and implantation as a technique for neoureterocystostomy in clinical kidney transplant. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Donor (n=31) and recipient (n=30) cats that underwent kidney harvest and transplantation using ureteral papilla implantation technique for neoureterocystostomy. METHODS: Medical records for donor and recipient cats presented to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Teaching Hospital from January 2003 to December 2014 were reviewed. Data recorded included complete blood count, serum chemistry panel, surgical technique, diagnostic imaging results, short- and long-term complications, and anesthetic survival. RESULTS: All 30 recipients recovered from anesthesia. Four died within 24 hours and 26 survived to hospital discharge. Serum creatinine was within the reference interval by 72 hours in 22/26 cats (85%). Complications related to the ureteral papilla implantation technique were seen in only 1 cat (3%). Uroabdomen diagnosed on day 3 ultimately resolved over the following 24 hours without surgical intervention. All 31 donor cats survived to discharge. Four donors (13%) experienced mild, transiently increased serum creatinine. CONCLUSION: Ureteral papilla implantation is a viable technique for neoureterocystostomy in cats undergoing kidney transplantation. Proposed benefits for the recipient include a less technically challenging anastomosis, decreased risk of ureteral obstruction at the anastomosis site, and reduced risk of leakage compared to previous reports. Benefits for recipients should be weighed against risks to donors, including a more complex ureteral harvest, increased surgical time, and potential injury or obstruction of the contralateral ureteral papilla.

TCC in Transplant Ureter--When and When Not to Preserve the Transplant Kidney.

We present four cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the transplant ureter (TCCtu). In three cases, localized tumor resection and a variety of reconstructive techniques were possible. Transplant nephrectomy with cystectomy was performed as a secondary treatment in one locally excised case. Transplant nephroureterectomy was performed as primary treatment in one case. The role of oncogenic viruses and genetic fingerprinting to determine the origin of TCCtu are described. Our cases and a systematic literature review illustrate the surgical, nephrological, and oncological challenges of this uncommon but important condition.

Inguinal Herniation of a Transplant Ureter: Lessons Learned From a Case of "Water Over the Bridge".

Inguinal herniation of the transplant ureter is rare, and there is a paucity of reports in the literature. Herniation is usually secondary to implanting a long redundant ureter and may be precipitated by its course over the spermatic cord. Most often, there is loss of the allograft owing to delayed presentation and chronic ureteric obstruction. Here, we report a case of inguinal herniation of a transplant ureter with obstruction and graft dysfunction. A 72-year-old man presented 9 years after deceased-donor kidney transplant, with progressive graft dysfunction and a symptomatic right inguinal hernia. A nephrostogram and subsequent surgery confirmed herniation of a loop of transplant ureter into the inguinal canal with a proximal dilated ureter and hydronephrosis. A long and redundant ureter had been anastomosed "over" the spermatic cord to the bladder during the original operation. The ureter was shortened by excising the distal segment, and the proximal dilated ureter was anastomosed to the bladder passing it "underneath" the spermatic cord. We used a Vicryl (polyglactin 910) mesh to repair the hernia. The graft function improved to baseline levels after the nephrostomy and remained stable after the surgery. This case emphasizes the need to keep the ureter short, and the importance of passing it underneath the spermatic cord before anastomosing to the bladder. Transplant and general surgeons should be aware of such presentations of graft dysfunction with inguinal hernia to avoid delayed diagnosis and graft loss.

Repair of a common bile duct defect with a decellularized ureteral graft.

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of repairing a common bile duct defect with a decellularized ureteral graft in a porcine model. METHODS: Eighteen pigs were randomly divided into three groups. An approximately 1 cm segment of the common bile duct was excised from all the pigs. The defect was repaired using a 2 cm long decellularized ureteral graft over a T-tube (T-tube group, n = 6) or a silicone stent (stent group, n = 6). Six pigs underwent bile duct reconstruction with a graft alone (stentless group). The surviving animals were euthanized at 3 mo. Specimens of the common bile ducts were obtained for histological analysis. RESULTS: The animals in the T-tube and stent groups survived until sacrifice. The blood test results were normal in both groups. The histology results showed a biliary epithelial layer covering the neo-bile duct. In contrast, all the animals in the stentless group died due to biliary peritonitis and cholangitis within two months post-surgery. Neither biliary epithelial cells nor accessory glands were observed at the graft sites in the stentless group. CONCLUSION: Repair of a common bile duct defect with a decellularized ureteral graft appears to be feasible. A T-tube or intraluminal stent was necessary to reduce postoperative complications.

Ureteral implantation using a three-stitch ureteroneocystostomy: description of technique and outcome in nine dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the procedure, postoperative outcome and complications of a new technique for ureteral implantation by means of a three-stitch ureteroneocystostomy in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of dogs requiring ureteral implantation between April 2007 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, preoperative biochemistry results, details of the surgical procedure, perioperative and postoperative complications, postoperative biochemistry results and outcome. RESULTS: Nine dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Follow-up times ranged from 10 to 79 months (median 30 months), with 8 of 9 dogs having an excellent long-term outcome and no major postoperative complications. One dog with follicular cystitis as a comorbidity developed obstruction from inflammatory granuloma and required revision surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The three-stitch technique for ureteral implantation compares favourably to previously documented techniques in terms of outcome and complication rates. Reduced tissue handling and a decreased volume of suture material may be beneficial for healing. The technique is also faster than previously described options, which may be of benefit in unstable patients requiring ureteral implantation due to traumatic injury or rupture.

Autotransplantation for the management of ketamine ureteritis.

Ketamine-associated cystitis is a well-recognised syndrome; yet upper urinary tract involvement remains poorly understood. We present the case of a 33-year-old man who developed ketamine-associated cystitis and ureteritis. The patient's severe bladder symptoms required subtotal cystectomy and orthotopic reconstruction. However, the associated ureteritis led to bilateral ureteric obstruction and renal failure. Bilateral autotransplantation with pyelovesicostomy was performed. This first case of autotransplantation for ketamine uropathy helps to demonstrate the potentially devastating effects of ketamine on the urinary tract.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic transplant-to-native ureteroureterostomy in a pediatric patient.

OBJECTIVE: Management of late-occurring or long (>3 cm) post-transplant ureteral strictures usually requires open surgery, which includes ureteroureterostomy (UU) as an option. Recently, robotic-assisted laparoscopic UU for ectopic ureters in a duplicated system has been described. We report a case of a robotic-assisted laparoscopic transplant-to-native side-to-side UU in a 14-year-old girl with a stricture of nearly two-thirds of her transplant ureter 5 years after a cadaveric renal transplant. RESULTS: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic native-to-transplant UU was performed with resultant durable improvement in the patient's hydronephrosis and kidney function. CONCLUSION: Based on our case and review of the literature, robotic-assisted laparoscopic UU should be part of the armamentarium for long or late-occurring transplant ureteral strictures.

Unilateral ureteral reimplantation and management of contralateral low grade or resolved vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: New contralateral vesicoureteral reflux after unilateral ureteral reimplantation is well described in the literature. Management of high grade vesicoureteral reflux with resolved contralateral reflux is less extensively studied. Most surgeons perform a bilateral procedure in these cases. We report the results when an open procedure was deferred on the contralateral side. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients with unilateral vesicoureteral reflux undergoing ureteral reimplantation performed by 1 surgeon between 2003 and 2012. Resolved or low grade contralateral reflux was observed if the kidney was normal. Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection was also offered for persistent grade I contralateral reflux. Outcomes were abstracted from the medical record and compared to those in patients undergoing bilateral ureteral reimplantation. RESULTS: Of 78 patients undergoing unilateral ureteral reimplantation 15 met inclusion criteria. Median age was 5.5 years, and median followup was 7.6 years. Extravesical detrusorrhaphy was performed in all cases. The 15 study patients initially had contralateral reflux that either resolved (8) or persisted as grade I (7). Six patients had results on 2 cystograms that were negative for contralateral reflux before ureteral reimplantation. Length of stay was 1 day less and costs were 59% lower for patients undergoing unilateral vs bilateral ureteral reimplantation. Postoperatively 2 of 15 patients (13%) had an afebrile urinary tract infection. All 15 patients had normal contralateral kidneys on postoperative ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Observation of contralateral resolved or low grade vesicoureteral reflux at unilateral ureteral reimplantation is feasible, with minimal morbidity and a shorter hospital stay compared to performance of bilateral ureteral reimplantation. This approach appears to be a reasonable option to discuss with parents during preoperative counseling.

Tissue engineering and ureter regeneration: is it possible?

Large ureter damages are difficult to reconstruct. Current techniques are complicated, difficult to perform, and often associated with failures. The ureter has never been regenerated thus far. Therefore the use of tissue engineering techniques for ureter reconstruction and regeneration seems to be a promising way to resolve these problems. For proper ureter regeneration the following problems must be considered: the physiological aspects of the tissue, the type and shape of the scaffold, the type of cells, and the specific environment (urine). 
This review presents tissue engineering achievements in the field of ureter regeneration focusing on the scaffold, the cells, and ureter healing.

Construction of ureteral grafts by seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and smooth muscle cells into bladder acellular matrix.

BACKGROUND: Congenital or acquired abnormalities may cause an ureteral injury or defect. The main methods to reconstruct a long ureter often cause serious complications. In this study, we sought to construct a tissue-engineered graft by seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into a bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for ureteral reconstruction. METHODS: Isolated, proliferated, and in vitro identified rabbit bone marrow MSCs and SMCs were seeded into BAM as the experimental group. Grafts only seeding SMCs were the control group. Cell-seeded grafts were used to construct tissue-engineered tubular grafts (TETG) for transplantation into the rabbit's omentum for 2 weeks before ureteral reconstruction. Evolutionary histology was performed at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks postoperatively. Renal function and ureteral obstruction were evaluated using intravenous urography at 16 weeks. RESULTS: Flow cytometry demonstrated bone marrow MSCs to express CD29, CD44, CD90, but not CD34. Histological examination revealed consistent regeneration of TETG urothelium in the experimental group. At 8 and 16 weeks after TETG grafting in vivo, multilayer urothelium covered the entire lumen with visible neovascularization within the center. Organized smooth muscle bundles were observed. Intravenous urography demonstrated no ureteral stricture or hydronephrosis. The 5 rabbits were dead within 4 weeks postoperatively. Autopsy showed scar formation inside the graft with severe hydronephrosis. CONCLUSION: We successfully constructed a TETG by seeding bone marrow MSCs and SMCs into BAM for ureteral reconstruction. Thus bone marrow MSCs can potentially promote urothelial regeneration to achieve a tissue-engineered ureter.

Transplant ureteric stenosis complicating laparoscopic recurrent inguinal hernia repair.

Ureteric obstruction of the transplanted kidney is the most common late urological complication and is caused mostly by ureteric stricture. We report the case of a patient who developed ureteric obstruction following trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia (TAPP). High level evidence exists to support the laparoscopic approach to recurrent inguinal hernia repair; however, this case reports the potential complications and difficulties that may occur in the presence of a kidney transplant.

Intravesical ligation as a new technique to manage a refluxing native ureter without simultaneous nephrectomy in renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: This article aims to describe an original technique to correct refluxing native ureters observed during a prerenal transplantation study. The correction is performed by intravesical ligation of the native refluxing ureters at the same time as renal transplantation without simultaneous nephrectomy. METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2010 we performed intravesical ligation of a refluxing ureter simultaneous with a transplantation procedure without a concomittant native nephrectomy in 12 of 345 subjects (3.47%). The 8 bilateral and 4 unilateral ligations were performed on 11 cadaveric and 1 living-related nonidentical donor transplantations. The implantation of the kidney donor ureter was performed anatomically in the bladder trigone through a transvesical ureteroneocystostomy with a transmural, submucosal antireflux tunnel. RESULTS: Early and late postoperative recovery was satisfactory in all patients. There was no documented kidney area pain, proven urinary tract infection, morbidity or mortality attributed to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical ligation is a practical technique to manage vesicoureteral reflux into the native ureters simultaneously with the ureteral implantation of the kidney donor in a single surgical renal transplant procedure without native kidney nephrectomy.

The pathology of depopulated bovine ureter xenografts utilized for vascular access in haemodialysis patients.

AIMS: Vascular access for long-term haemodialysis is obtained through the surgical fashioning of arteriovenous fistulae, utilizing the patients' native blood vessels, or by insertion of synthetic grafts or non-synthetic gluteraldehyde cross-linked biological xenografts. These non-native grafts have high complication rates and a depopulated bovine ureter xenograft has recently been developed as an alternative. The aim was to undertake the first systematic review of the histopathology of bovine ureter xenografts (n = 25) utilized for haemodialysis vascular access in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pre-insertion specimens (n = 7) showed preservation of some cellular architecture and histological antigenicity. Uncomplicated segments of post-insertion specimens (n = 18) showed myofibroblastic in-growth but no luminal endothelialization and no vascularization of the wall, other than at sites of needle puncture. Post-insertion, 50% showed a severe adventitial host inflammatory response with a dominant granulomatous and eosinophil-rich infiltrate. Inflammation was present in grafts with various complications (stenosis, thrombosis, aneurysm), but there was no clear pathogenic link. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that repopulation of bovine ureter xenografts by host cells is limited and that, in specimens removed for complications, an inflammatory reaction to the xenograft is common. This could reflect retention of some antigenicity following pre-insertion 'depopulation' of the grafts.

Boari flap vesicocalycostomy: a salvage drainage procedure for complete ureteric stricture and pyelocalyceal fistula.

To increase the working knowledge on how to drain a transplanted kidney via the use of a Boari flap as a salvage procedure. A female with a transplant kidney had complete obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction and multiple strictures of the ureter causing deterioration of the graft function. Surgery was the only way to successfully drain the obstructed kidney, but conventional methods were not possible due to dense fibrosis around the kidney. A Boari flap to the lower pole calyx of the transplant kidney was therefore employed. A Boari flap vesicocalycostomy is a potential method available to the transplant surgeon to successfully restore graft function in a case where the transplant or native ureter is unsalvageable.