Ex-vivo ureteroscopy of deceased donor kidneys

Abstract

Introduction: When encountered, the ideal management of lithiasis in deceased donor kidneys is not well-defined. With advances in endourological techniques, minimally invasive treatments are becoming an increasingly viable option. We set out to describe our experience performing ex-vivo ureteroscopy on cadaveric donor kidneys, including one in which the procedure was completed on-pump. Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken to identify patients who had undergone ex-vivo ureteroscopy prior to cadaveric renal transplant. Four patients were identified, including one in which the procedure was done with the kidney remaining onpump. The surgical technique and subsequent data were reviewed. Results: Ex-vivo ureteroscopy was successfully completed in all four instances without intraoperative complication. All kidneys were endoscopically stone-free. Creatinine nadirs ranged from 0.8-1.4. All four patients remained stone-free at a mean followup of 13 months. Conclusions: Our series provides further evidence as to the safety and efficacy of ex-vivo ureteroscopy prior to transplantation in cadaveric renal transplants and describes a novel technique in the form of on-pump ex-vivo ureteroscopy.