Endoureteral Management of Renal Graft Ureteral Stenosis by the Use of Long-Term Metal Stent: An Appealing Treatment Option

Abstract

Background: Ureteral stenosis is part of the common complications of renal graft reported in 3% to 7% of cases. Multiple treatments have been introduced regarding length and position of the stenosis. Metal stents for urologic purpose were created in 1998. Double percutaneous antegrade and transurethral retrograde access to a ureteral stenosis to a long-term metal stent procedure has been rarely described. Case Presentation: Here, we present a case of a ureteral stricture in a double ipsilateral kidney graft with a common ureter. A 67-year-old patient presented with obstructive nephritis associated with acute renal failure 6 years after a double renal graft with a uretero-ureteral end-to-side anastomosis. Abdominal CT scan showed double pelvic dilation. The patient underwent double percutaneous nephrostomies and antegrade pyelogram showed both renal pelvic and ureter dilations caused by a severe chronic ureteral stenosis at junction into the bladder. A Double-J ureteric stent was then inserted retrogradely over a guidewire as first-line treatment. Due to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), removal and replacement of Double-J stents were carried out by placing a thermoexpandable metal stent Memokath(®) 051 (Bard, Pnn Medical) through the common ureter by a double antegrade and retrograde approach. Treatment was effective with a good renal function maintained after a 3-year follow-up without UTIs. Conclusion: Double antegrade and retrograde access to a long-term metal stent treatment can be seen as an alternative treatment to either endoscopy or open surgery. Further studies should be continued using larger series.