Urinary tract reconstruction using the controlateral native ureter and a combined open-retroperitoneoscopic approach after renal transplantation.

An alternative technique for urinary tract (UT) reconstruction is described in a renal transplant recipient who developed a severe stenosis of the graft ureter. This approach entails the retroperitoneoscopic preparation of the native ureter contralateral to the graft, followed by an open reconstruction of the UT. The ureter was dissected along its entire length to the level of the iliac vessels, with its associated mesentery still attached in order to preserve the vascular supply. The corresponding native kidney contralateral to the graft was endoscopically removed. A longitudinal sub-umbilical incision allowed the excision of the stenotic tract and the reconstruction of the UT by means of a manual end-to-end anastomosis between the new ureter and the graft pelvis. No post-operative complications occurred and renal function immediately resumed. The approach described represents an alternative solution for the surgical management of severe ureteric graft stenosis. We believe that the magnification of the anatomy granted by the endoscope during the dissection of the ureter and neighboring structures provides the gentle handling of the tissues and the remote dissection away from the ureter with the highest precision.

Renal artery aneurysms in kidney grafts.

The shortage of organs has forced transplant surgeons to use grafts from marginal donors, even those presenting with important vascular alterations. In such cases, in-depth knowledge of the vascular anatomy and its variants, the correct identification and preservation of the arterial supply, and familiarity with microsurgical techniques for vascular reconstruction are mandatory. Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are an uncommon entity whose incidence is approximately .01%-.09% in the general population and .7%-.9% in subjects undergoing angiographic investigation. When present in renal grafts, they can be resected at the back-table and the graft can be successfully implanted.

Eubacterium plautii infection in a kidney transplant recipient: a noteworthy case of pleural effusion and fever.

We report a noteworthy case of Eubacterium plautii infection after kidney transplantation. Our 33-yr-old transplant recipient received standard care; his post-transplant course was uneventful. However, on day 44 he underwent an emergency laparotomy for perforation of the ileum. He was initially treated with ceftazidime, fluconazole and metronidazole, but his fever persisted, so he was switched to meropenem and vancocin. We could not find any cause for his infection. On day 70, his temperature normalized. On day 75, he developed severe leukopenia (280 cell/mL). His cytomegalovirus-DNA test result was negative, so all immunosuppressants, except for prednisone, were stopped; instead, antibiotic prophylaxis was started, using caspofungin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin. On day 83, he underwent percutaneous drainage of massive left pleural effusion. We repeatedly cultured the pleural liquid, but it was not till three wk later that we were finally able to identify the causative organism. We hypothesize that the microorganism - which normally resides on the surface of the intestinal lumen - entered the bloodstream via bacterial translocation, eventually colonizing the pleurae. This translocation was favored by our patient poor clinical condition, his immunosuppressive treatment and his heavy antibiotherapy. Our experience highlights the need for wiser use of antibiotics in transplant recipients.

Non-transplant surgical approach to liver-based hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: a first report.

A 55-year-old woman with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) underwent a left lateral liver bisegmentectomy (removal of segments 2 and 3) for hepatic-based arteriovenous malformations. This lesion determined a progressive fatigue and invalidating effort dyspnoea. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient is currently doing well at 4 years after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case of hepatic-based HHT treated with liver resection. This anecdotal report should promote the evaluation of this approach in order to define its role in the treatment of liver involvement in this rare disease.