BLADDER TRANSPLANTATION: THE NEW FRONTIER IN ABDOMINAL ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION.

Lower urinary tract abnormalities are directly implicated in the etiology of renal dysfunction in 6 to 24% of dialytic patients. These patients require bladder capacity and compliance readjustment before being considered viable candidates for renal transplantation. Vesical augmentation surgeries often involve the use of intestinal segments. Although these procedures can effectively restore bladder capacity and compliance, they present various issues related to maintaining mucous absorption and secretion capacity. Acidosis, recurrent urinary tract infections, and stone formation are extremely common, leading to frequent hospitalizations and graft function loss. Urinary tissue is certainly ideal for these reconstructions; however, bladder augmentation using ureter and renal pelvis are feasible only in a minority of cases. Experimental studies have been conducted to establish the groundwork for vascularized bladder transplantation. Last year, for the first time, this procedure was performed on a brain-dead patient. During this intervention, cystectomy was performed with preservation the vascular pedicle, followed by organ reimplantation. The graft remained viable for a period of 12 hours post-transplant. However, this intervention utilized a robotic platform, making it less reproducible in a multi-organ procurement setting as well as for most transplant centers. Moreover, it is debatable whether the benefits of exclusive bladder transplantation outweigh the risks associated with immunosuppression. For patients needing renal transplantation and requiring lower urinary tract reconstruction, however, utilizing the donor's bladder may offer an attractive alternative, avoiding the inherent complications of enterocystoplasty without increasing immunological risk. Combined kidney and bladder transplantation has the potential to emerge as the next frontier in abdominal organ transplants.

Outcomes of endovascular treatment of renal arterial stenosis in transplanted kidneys

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of endovascular treatment of TRAS with PTA. Materials and Methods We searched our prospectively collected database looking at cases of TRAS between January 2005-December 2011. CCT was the gold-standart for diagnosis of TRAS. Parameters analysed comprised technical aspects, arterial blood pressure variation, and renal function. A minimum follow-up of 24 months was considered. Results Of the 2221 renal transplants performed in the selected period, 22 (0.9%) patients were identified with TRAS. Fourteen (63.6%) were male and mean age was 377±14.8years (12-69). Kidney graft was from deceased donnors in 20 (80%) cases. On doppler evaluation, mean blood flow speed after transplantation, at TRAS diagnosis and after TAP was 210.6±99.5, 417±122.7 and 182.5±81.6mL/sec, respectively (p<0.001). For SBP and DBP, there was a significant difference between between pre-intervention and all post-treatment time points (p<0.001). After 1 month of the procedure, there was stabilization of the Cr level with a significant difference between mean Cr levels along time (p<0.001). After a mean follow-up of 16±4.2 (3-24) months, overall success rate was 100%. Conclusions Endovascular treatment with PTA/stenting is a safe and effective option for managing TRAS, ensuring the functionality of the graft and normalization of blood pressure and renal function.

Outcomes of endovascular treatment of renal arterial stenosis in transplanted kidneys.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of endovascular treatment of TRAS with PTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched our prospectively collected database looking at cases of TRAS between January 2005-December 2011. CCT was the gold-standart for diagnosis of TRAS. Parameters analysed comprised technical aspects, arterial blood pressure variation, and renal function. A minimum follow-up of 24 months was considered. RESULTS: Of the 2221 renal transplants performed in the selected period, 22 (0.9%) patients were identifi ed with TRAS. Fourteen (63.6%) were male and mean age was 377±14.8years (12-69). Kidney graft was from deceased donnors in 20 (80%) cases. On doppler evaluation, mean blood fl ow speed after transplantation, at TRAS diagnosis and after TAP was 210.6±99.5, 417±122.7 and 182.5±81.6mL/sec, respectively (p<0.001). For SBP and DBP, there was a signifi cant difference between between preintervention and all post-treatment time points (p<0.001). After 1 month of the procedure, there was stabilization of the Cr level with a signifi cant difference between mean Cr levels along time (p<0.001). After a mean follow-up of 16±4.2 (3-24) months, overall success rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment with PTA/stenting is a safe and effective option for managing TRAS, ensuring the functionality of the graft and normalization of blood pressure and renal function.

Amikacin prophylaxis and risk factors for surgical site infection after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic prophylaxis plays a major role in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prophylaxis in kidney transplantation and identify risk factors for SSIs. METHODS: We evaluated all kidney transplantation recipients from January 2009 and December 2012. We excluded patients who died within the first 72 hr after transplantation, were undergoing simultaneous transplantation of another organ, or were below 12 years of age. The main outcome measure was SSI during the first 60 days after transplantation. RESULTS: A total of 819 kidney transplants recipients were evaluated, 65% of whom received a deceased-donor kidney. The antibiotics used as prophylaxis included cephalosporin, in 576 (70%) cases, and amikacin, in 233 (28%). We identified SSIs in 106 cases (13%), the causative agent being identified in 72 (68%). Among the isolated bacteria, infections caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae predominated. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for post-kidney transplantation SSIs were deceased donor, thin ureters at kidney transplantation, antithymocyte globulin induction therapy, blood transfusion at the transplantation procedure, high body mass index, and diabetes mellitus. The only factor associated with a reduction in the incidence of SSIs was amikacin use as antibiotic prophylaxis. Factors associated with reduced graft survival were: intraoperative blood transfusions, reoperation, human leukocyte antigen mismatch, use of nonstandard immunosuppression therapy, deceased donor, post-kidney transplantation SSIs, and delayed graft function. CONCLUSION: Amikacin prophylaxis is a useful strategy for preventing SSIs.

Caliceal-cutaneous fistula after kidney transplantation.

Urinary fistula is a one of the most common complications after kidney transplantation. Conservative treatment with stent and Foley catheter drainage may be tried, however in some cases more invasive approach is needed. Caliceal fistula is a rare condition and the diagnosis may be missed. Here we present an interesting case of caliceal-cutaneous fistula diagnosed by computed tomography after living kidney transplantation. After failure of conservative management, the patient was successfully treated with partial nephrectomy.

Histologic inflammatory changes on the prostatic gland due to immunosuppression for kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of type IV prostatitis in patients with kidney transplantation receiving an immunosuppression regimen and to compare it with that of a nonimmunosuppressed control group. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 216 electronic charts of patients who had undergone surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia from August 2000 to January 2006. Of the 216 patients, 183 did not receive immunosuppressive therapy and were included in the control group (group 1). The other 33 patients had undergone kidney transplantation and were included in the study group (group 2). The patient data were accessed for age at surgery, International Prostate Symptom Score, prostate volume, preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level, history of acute urinary retention, and surgical approach (open vs transurethral resection of prostate). Histologic findings from the surgical specimens were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery, mean serum prostate-specific antigen level, mean prostate volume, and mean International Prostate Symptom Score were not significantly different between both groups. However, histologic evidence of chronic prostatitis was obtained in 145 surgical specimens (78%) from group 1 and in just 3 specimens from group 2 (9%; P < .001). Moreover, nonimmunosuppressed patients had a 38.2 times greater risk of presenting with prostatitis than did the immunosuppressed patients. CONCLUSION: Immunosuppression therapy in kidney transplantation has a protective factor in the prostatitis incidence.

Comparação entre a nefrectomia laparoscópica e a nefrectomia subcostal como acessos cirúrgicos para nefrectomia do doador / Comparison between laparoscopic and subcostal mini-incision for live donor nephrectomy

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy with open donor nephrectomy. Methods: A non-randomized prospective analysis was conducted of living donor kidney transplantations (118 open donor nephrectomies; 57 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies) between January 2005 and December 2007 in the Kidney Transplantation Unit of Hospital das Clínicas of Faculdade de Medicina of the Universidade de São Paulo. Results: Mean donor operative time, mean donor hospital stay, mean postoperative creatinine values, and rates of complications and graft survival were similar for both groups. A significant statistical difference in warm ischemia time was observed between the open donor nephrectomy and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy groups (p < 0.001). There was only one conversion in the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy group. Conclusions: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a safe procedure for a donor nephrectomy, comparable to an open procedure with similar results despite a longer warm ischemia time.

Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a nefrectomia radical laparoscópica e a nefrectomia subcostal do doador. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo e não randomizado dos pacientes submetidos entre Janeiro 2005 e Dezembro 2007 a nefrectomia para doação renal na Unidade de Transplante Renal do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (118 casos de nefrectomia subcostal do doador; 57 casos de nefrectomia radical laparoscópica). Resultados: Tempo cirúrgico, tempo de internação hospitalar do doador, creatinina sérica pós-transplante e taxas de complicação e da sobrevida do rim transplantado foram similares para ambos os grupos. Foi encontrada uma diferença estatisticamente significante no tempo de isquemia quente (p < 0,001). Houve somente uma conversão no grupo submetido a nefrectomia laparoscópica. Conclusões: A nefrectomia laparoscópica do doador é procedimento seguro para doação renal e com resultados similares à nefrectomia subcostal, apesar de maior tempo de isquemia quente.

Use of inverted fluoroscope's C-arm during endoscopic treatment of urinary tract obstruction in pregnancy: a practicable solution to cut radiation.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of pulsed fluoroscopic guidance, to perform endoscopic procedures in pregnant women, by inverting the fluoroscope's c-arm using a lead thyroid collar to shield the fetus from the direct X-ray beam. The use of radiation during treatment of pregnant patients with urolithiasis remains a recurring dilemma. METHODS: Between May 2006 and December 2008, endoscopic treatment due to ureteral stones was attempted in 8 pregnant women. In all cases, we use an inverted fluoroscope's c-arm during endoscopic treatment associated with 2 lead neck thyroid collars to shield the uterus, protecting the fetus from direct radiation. Indication for treatment was symptomatic ureteral stones unresponsive to medical treatment in 7 and persistent fever in 1. RESULTS: Mean ureteral stone size was 8.1+/-4.8 mm, located in the left ureter in 5 (62.5%) cases. Three (37.5%) patients had stone located in the upper ureter, 2 (25%) in the middle ureter, and 3 (37.5) in the distal ureter. In 6 cases, ureteral stones were treated using the semi-rigid ureteroscope, whereas in 1 case a flexible ureteroscope was needed. One woman was treated with insertion of a double-J stent due to associated urinary infection. No women has early delivery related to the endoscopic procedure, and all neonates were perfectly normal. CONCLUSIONS: We present a technique for endoscopic procedures in pregnant women inverting the fluoroscope's c-arm and protecting the fetus from the direct X-ray beam. This practical approach should be specially considered when no portable ultrasound and radiologic assistance in available in the operating room.

Comparison between laparoscopic and subcostal mini-incision for live donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy with open donor nephrectomy. METHODS: A non-randomized prospective analysis was conducted of living donor kidney transplantations (118 open donor nephrectomies; 57 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies) between January 2005 and December 2007 in the Kidney Transplantation Unit of Hospital das Clínicas of Faculdade de Medicina of the Universidade de São Paulo. RESULTS: Mean donor operative time, mean donor hospital stay, mean postoperative creatinine values, and rates of complications and graft survival were similar for both groups. A significant statistical difference in warm ischemia time was observed between the open donor nephrectomy and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy groups (p < 0.001). There was only one conversion in the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a safe procedure for a donor nephrectomy, comparable to an open procedure with similar results despite a longer warm ischemia time.

Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps in a pregnant woman: case report.

CONTEXT: Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps are rare benign nonepithelial tumors, and less than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. We report on a pregnant patient with ureteral fibroepithelial polyps that were successfully treated with laparotomy. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old pregnant woman presented with a three-month history of intermittent lumbar pain of low intensity. Abdominal ultrasonography showed that she was 13 weeks pregnant and found severe left-side ureterohydronephrosis and a heterogeneous solid mass measuring 11 x 8 x 7 centimeters in the middle portion of the ureteral topography. The investigation was complemented with magnetic resonance imaging, which confirmed the previous findings. Nephroureterectomy was performed without complications. The specimen revealed three solid tumors in the ureter, of which the largest was around eight centimeters in length. The anatomopathological report confirmed that they were fibroepithelial tumors without malignant components.

Incidence of histological prostatitis and its correlation with PSA density.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of asymptomatic, histologically proven prostatitis in men with symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia and to observe the correlation between asymptomatic prostatitis and prostate specific antigen (PSA) density. INTRODUCTION: The incidence of type IV prostatitis is unknown. There is a tendency to correlate the presence of inflammatory prostatitis with an elevation of PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2000 to January 2006, 183 patients who underwent surgical treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia as a result of obstructive or irritative symptoms were prospectively studied. In accordance with the histology findings, these patients were divided into two groups: group I included patients with the presence of histological prostatitis and group II included patients with the absence of histological prostatitis. The mean PSA densities were compared. RESULTS: Histological evidence of prostatitis was observed in 145 patients. In this group, the mean PSA density was 0.136 +/- 0.095. In 38 cases, there was no evidence of inflammation upon histological examination of the surgical samples. In these 38 cases, the mean PSA density was 0.126 +/- 0.129. No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups; the p-value is 0.124. CONCLUSION: Abnormal PSA density should not be attributed to the inflammatory prostatitis process.

Incidence of histological prostatitis and its correlation with PSA density

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of asymptomatic, histologically proven prostatitis in men with symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia and to observe the correlation between asymptomatic prostatitis and prostate specific antigen (PSA) density. INTRODUCTION: The incidence of type IV prostatitis is unknown. There is a tendency to correlate the presence of inflammatory prostatitis with an elevation of PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2000 to January 2006, 183 patients who underwent surgical treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia as a result of obstructive or irritative symptoms were prospectively studied. In accordance with the histology findings, these patients were divided into two groups: group I included patients with the presence of histological prostatitis and group II included patients with the absence of histological prostatitis. The mean PSA densities were compared. RESULTS: Histological evidence of prostatitis was observed in 145 patients. In this group, the mean PSA density was 0.136 ± 0.095. In 38 cases, there was no evidence of inflammation upon histological examination of the surgical samples. In these 38 cases, the mean PSA density was 0.126 ± 0.129. No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups; the p-value is 0.124. CONCLUSION: Abnormal PSA density should not be attributed to the inflammatory prostatitis process.

Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps in a pregnant woman: case report / Pólipos fibroepitelial ureteral em mulher grávida: relato de caso

CONTEXT: Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps are rare benign nonepithelial tumors, and less than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. We report on a pregnant patient with ureteral fibroepithelial polyps that were successfully treated with laparotomy. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old pregnant woman presented with a three-month history of intermittent lumbar pain of low intensity. Abdominal ultrasonography showed that she was 13 weeks pregnant and found severe left-side ureterohydronephrosis and a heterogeneous solid mass measuring 11 x 8 x 7 centimeters in the middle portion of the ureteral topography. The investigation was complemented with magnetic resonance imaging, which confirmed the previous findings. Nephroureterectomy was performed without complications. The specimen revealed three solid tumors in the ureter, of which the largest was around eight centimeters in length. The anatomopathological report confirmed that they were fibroepithelial tumors without malignant components.

CONTEXTO: Pólipos fibroepiteliais de ureter são tumores não-epiteliais benignos raros, e menos de 200 casos foram relatados na literatura. Nós reportamos o caso de uma mulher grávida com pólipos fibroelitelial ureteral que foram tratados com sucesso por laparotomia. RELATO DE CASO: Mulher de 23 anos de idade, grávida, apresentava história de dor lombar intermitente de baixa intensidade há três meses. Ultra-sonografia abdominal revelou gravidez de 13 semanas, ureterohidronefrose grave à esquerda e massa sólida heterogênea medindo 11 x 8 x 7 cm na porção média da topografia ureteral. A investigação foi complementada com ressonância magnética, que confirmou os achados. Foi realizada nefroureterectomia sem complicações. A peça revelou três tumores sólidos em ureter, o maior apresentando aproximadamente oito centímetros longitudinalmente. O relatório anatomopatológico confirmou tumor fibroepitelial sem componentes de malignidade.

Case report: late recurrent hematuria following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy may predict internal pudendal artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula.

We report two cases of a pseudoaneurysm of the internal pudendal artery with arteriovenous fistula after extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The clinical presentation was delayed recurrent hematuria and urinary retention that necessitated bladder clot evacuation. Subsequent arteriography detected the vascular abnormality and a superselective embolization was performed. Hematuria was no longer observed, and the quality of penile erection remains unchanged in both patients.

Is polypropylene mesh safe and effective for repairing infected incisional hernia in renal transplant recipients?

INTRODUCTION: Infected incisional hernias are common in kidney transplant patients. Treating them in immunosuppressed patients can take months, increasing costs and implying loss of working productivity. Abdominal wall prostheses have not been used in infected immunosuppressed patients because of poor infection control. We evaluated the outcome of the surgical treatment of these patients with polypropylene mesh to shorten the hospitalization time and patient recovery. The records of 462 consecutive kidney transplant patients (March 2000 to February 2004) were reviewed. Of these 462 patients, 13 (2.8%) had infected or contaminated herniations at the transplant incision. They developed between 2 and 60 days (mean 14) after transplantation. The racial distribution was not significant, but herniations were more common in patients from cadaveric donors (4.5% versus 0%, P = 0.005). Predisposing factors were found in 6 patients (46.2%) and included complications from transplant surgery in 2, obesity in 1, leukopenia in 3, sepsis in 1, diabetes mellitus in 1, and wall weakness in 1 patient (3 had more than one risk factor). TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: A prospective protocol of surgical correction with polypropylene mesh was established. After wound cleansing with normal saline, repair was done by primary fascial approximation and polypropylene mesh reinforcement. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and large-bore drains were used. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 40 months (mean 14.5). All patients did well except for one recurrence, 14 months after correction. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair with polypropylene mesh is safe and effective in treating infected or contaminated herniations in kidney transplant patients, with an acceptable (9.1%) incidence of recurrence.

Estudo comparativo entre achados histopatológicos de biópsias de diferentes segmentos do enxerto em disfunções agudas e crônicas do rim transplantado / Histopathological concordance of biopsy core samples obtained from different areas of the renal allograft in acute and chronic disfunctions

Foram realizadas 100 biópsias de enxertos renais onde foram colhidos fragmentos de segmento superior e inferior. Em 70 casos (70 por cento) foi obtido material representativo para análise. Houve diferenças histológicas com implicações em diferentes recomendações terapêuticas em 13 (18,5 por cento) casos. O material foi revisto de maneira randomizada com confirmação dos resultados. Houve boa concordância diagnóstica entre achados de nefrotoxicidade (kappa = 0,631) e nefropatia crônica do enxerto (kappa = 0,624) e concordância marginal para rejeição aguda (kappa = 0,426). Houve hematúria.com necessidade de sondagem para evacuação de coágulos em 3 casos. /One hundred percutaneous biopsies were performed on kidney allografts and samples were collected from the upper and lower poles. Adequate specimens for analysis were obtained from both kidney poles from 70 per cent of the procedures. In 18,5 per cent (13 cases) there were histopathological differences that affected treatment recommendations. A randomized review was made and the results were confirmed.There was a good concordance for drug nephrotoxicity (kappa = 0,631) and chronic allograft nephropathy (kappa = 0,624) and a marginal correlation for acute rejection (kappa = 0,426). The only major complication was the gross hematuria which occurred in three procedures...

Tratamento medicamentoso da Hiperplasia Prostatica Benigna com o extrato lipidoesterolico da Serenoa repens / Medical treatment of benig prostatic hyperplasia with the lipido-sterolic extract of serenoa repens

A hiperplasia benigna da protata(HPB) e a doenca urologica de maior prevalencia em hom,ens com idade superior a 50 anos.Devido a sua alta frequencia a aos gastos decorrentes de seu tratamento,e considerada um probl;ema de saude publica em varios paises industrializados.O extrato lipidoesterolico da Serenoa repens(LSESr) e um fitoterapico que vem sendo amplamente utilizado no tratamento da HPB.Trata-se de uma bubstancia obtida da semente da palmeira americana,cujo principi ativo e um extrato n-hexano esterol.Seus mecanismos de acao abrangem uma atividade hormonal,antiproliferativa e antiinflamatoria.Neste artigo foi feita uma revisao da literatura sobre a LSESr,em que o mecanismo de acao,a eficacia e o perfil de tolerabilidade do LSESr foram abordados por meio de estudos clinicos e experimentais.O LSESr e administrado por via oral,em duas doses diarias de 160 mh.Varios estudo clinicos randomizados comprovam a acao eficaz do LSESr no tratamento medicamentoso da HPB e seu bom perfil de tolerabilidade,constituindo uma opcao valida nesta indicacao

Diagnóstico e tratamento do trauma renal fechado. Revisäo de 163 casos / Diagnosis and treatment of blunt renal trauma. Review of 163 cases

Foram analisados retrospectivamente 163 pacientes admitidos em nosso serviço de pronto-socorro vítimas de trauma renal fechado, enfatizando-se a abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica dos mesmos. Dos 163 pacientes admitidos, 85 (52 porcento) foram encaminhados diretamente ao centro cirúrgico devido a presença de choque hipovolêmico, hemoperitônio ou lesöes associadas. Setenta e oito pacientes (48 porcento) foram investigados radiologicamente sendo que destes, 22 (28 porcento) foram tratados através de procedimento cirúrgico. Foram comparados ainda a sensibilidade e a especificidade dos exames radiológicos através do grupo de 22 pacientes investigados radiologicamente e submetidos a cirurgia. A tomografia computadorizada se mostrou ser exame mais sensível e específico, seguido da urografia excretora. Foram ainda revisadas as complicaçöes observadas entre os pacientes tratados conservadoramente, segundo a lesäo radiológica diagnosticada. O maior índice de complicaçöes ocorreu quando se observou fratura renal envolvendo vias excretoras