Percutaneous management of transplant ureteral fistulae is feasible in selected cases

Introduction. Ureteral fistulae in renal transplants may develop as a consequence of compromised ureteral vascularity or from a technical factor related to the ureteroneocystostomy, the latter typically developing within the first 72 hours posttransplant. Recently, percutaneous nephrostomy drainage has been used with increasing frequency for the initial management. It alone can lead to resolution of the fistula in at least some patients. The aim of the study was the evaluation of endourological management of ureteral fistulae in renal transplants. Material and methods. Between August 1981 and February 2004, 1000 adult recipients underwent renal transplantation. Sixteen out of 29 patients who developed ureteral fistulae were managed endourologically; 13, open surgery. The items recorded on these patients included the type of ureteroneocystostomy, the time to fistula diagnosis, the image technique, the type of ureteral stents, and the clinical evolution. Results. The 13 patients who underwent open surgery did well. Endourological management of ureteral fistula was successfully performed in 10 of 16 cases. In all of them percutaneous nephrostomy drainage with stenting of the ureter with a double-J catheter did not prove any advantage to no stent (66.6% vs 57%). In 13 of these 16 patients in which the passage of contrast into the bladder was demonstrated, the fistula resolved in 10 cases (77%), while none of the three cases with no flow into the bladder were helped by this approach. Conclusion. Percutaneous techniques can provide definitive management for 62% of renal allograft patients who develop ureteral fistula beyond 72 hours after renal transplant.