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Objectives: To assess the long-term clinical outcomes and identify factors predicting success of endoscopic treatment for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after kidney transplantation., Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had a symptomatic VUR after renal transplantation at our centre between January 2000 and December 2020 was performed. VUR was documented by retrograde cystography and was determined by at least one episode of acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN). Endoscopic injections of polydimethylsiloxane (MacroPlastique ™ ) or dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux ™ ) were performed by expert urologists via rigid cystoscopy with a bevelled needle system. The results of endoscopic treatment were evaluated by cystography at three months. The primary endpoint was clinical efficacy as defined by the absence of AGPN during follow-up. Radiological success was defined by the absence of VUR at the three months follow-up cystography., Results: Out of 2135 kidney transplantations, a total of 117 (5.5%) patients had symptomatic VUR: 100 (85.5%) underwent Deflux ™ and 17 (14.5%) MacroPlastique ™ . Preoperative high-grade VUR was recorded in 71% of patients. One postoperative complication was observed, Clavien > II. After a median follow-up of 11.2 years (IQR 6.5-14.4), clinical success was achieved in 73 patients (62.4%). Radiological success was obtained in 42 patients (36%). Multivariable analysis failed to identify predictors of endoscopic treatment success, which was independent of the preoperative grade of VUR and the type of bulking agent used., Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of VUR is a simple and well-tolerated procedure with long-term clinical efficacy., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of ureteral reimplantation (UR) after failure of endoscopic treatment for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in renal transplant recipients., Methods: We conducted a monocentric retrospective study that included all renal transplant recipients with failure of Deflux™ as first-line treatment of VUR from January 2007 to December 2020. Failure of Deflux™ was defined by: VUR on retrograde cystography and at least one acute pyelonephritis of the renal graft. The preferred surgical treatment was native ureteropyelostomy (NPUS) in the recent years. If the native ureter could not be used, ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) was performed. The primary outcome was the clinical efficacy of UR defined as the absence of acute graft pyelonephritis during follow-up., Results: Out of 1565 kidney transplantations, 119 (7.6%) had symptomatic VUR treated with bulking agent. 35 (29.4%) had Deflux™ failure and were addressed to UR: 21/35 (60%) NPUS and 14/35 (40%) UNC. The median estimated blood loss, operative time, and length of stay were 120 mL, 90 min, and 7 days, respectively. After a median follow-up of 7.1 (IQR 4.1-9.8) years, UR was clinically successful in a total of 32 patients (91.4%): 20 (95.2%) and 12 (85.7%) patients in the NPUS and UNC groups, respectively (p = 0.55). Three (8.5%) high-grade complications have been reported. No nephrectomy of native kidney was required in the NPUS group., Conclusions: After failure of Deflux™ for VUR of renal graft, surgical treatment with native ureteropyelostomy or ureteroneocystostomy is associated to a high success rate and few high-grade complications., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To report the efficacy and safety of povidone-iodine sclerotherapy of primary symptomatic lymphocele after kidney transplantation in a large contemporary cohort study., Patients and Methods: A single-institutional study was conducted including consecutive patients who underwent povidone-iodine sclerotherapy for primary symptomatic lymphocele after kidney transplantation between January 2013 and March 2020. Sclerotherapy was used as the first-line treatment of symptomatic lymphocele. Recurrent lymphoceles were managed with open or laparoscopic fenestration. The primary outcome was the efficacy of sclerotherapy which was defined as the absence of second sclerotherapy or salvage surgery., Results: A total of 965 renal transplantations were included. Sclerotherapy for primary symptomatic lymphocele was performed in 60 cases (6.2%). The median (IQR) number of instillation, the volume of povidone-iodine per instillation and drainage time were 3 (3-3), 60 (38-80) mL and 6 days (5-8), respectively. Sclerotherapy related complications were reported in eight cases (13.3%) and included five cases of accidental catheter removal, two cases of lumbosciatica, and one case of intraperitoneal diffusion of povidone-iodine. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 33 (14-60) months, treatment success was achieved in 33 cases (55%). Multivariate analysis failed to identify predictors of sclerotherapy failure. Salvage therapies included 7 s sclerotherapy and 20 surgical fenestrations with an overall success rate of 88.8% (24/27)., Conclusions: Sclerotherapy was an easy and safe procedure to treat primary symptomatic lymphocele in renal transplant recipients. Despite moderate efficacy, recurrences were easily controlled with salvage therapies. Further studies are necessary to identify predictive factors of sclerotherapy failure to directly refer patients to surgical treatment.

Chronic kidney disease is a gradual and irreversible decrease in the functioning of the kidneys, which no longer filter the body's blood properly. The main causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. With the aging of the population, it is a disease whose incidence is increasing. In the terminal stage of the disease, treatment of replacement of the renal function is necessary (by hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or renal transplantation). Currently, kidney transplantation is the best replacement treatment for kidney function, because it is more efficient than dialysis in terms of survival, quality of life and cost to the health system. But it requires the maintenance and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapy. In France, kidney transplants are mainly from deceased donors or from living donors. Kidney transplantation is a scheduled surgery when the transplant is from a living donor, and an emergency when the transplant is from a deceased donor. The surgical technique is standardized and consists of suturing the artery and vein of the transplant onto the recipient's iliac vessels and the ureter in the bladder, through an ilio-inguinal incision. The average survival time of a transplant is 10 years and some patients may receive 1, 2, 3 or more kidney transplants in succession during their lifetime., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Better understanding of the contribution of donor aging and comorbidity factors of expanded criteria donors (ECD) to the clinical outcome of a transplant is a challenge in kidney transplantation. We investigated whether the features of donor-derived stromal vascular fraction of perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT-SVF) could be indicative of the deleterious impact of the ECD microenvironment on a renal transplant. Methods: A comparative analysis of cellular components, transcriptomic and vasculogenic profiles was performed in PRAT-SVF obtained from 22 optimal donors and 31 ECD deceased donors. We then investigated whether these parameters could be associated with donor aging and early allograft dysfunction. Results: When compared with the PRAT-SVF of non-ECD donors, ECD PRAT-SVF displayed a lower proportion of stromal cells, a higher proportion of inflammatory NK cells. The global RNA sequencing approach indicated a differential molecular signature in the PRAT-SVF of ECD donors characterized by the over-expression of CXCL1 and IL1-β inflammatory transcripts. The vasculogenic activity of PRAT-SVF was highly variable but was not significantly affected in marginal donors. Periorgan recruitment of monocytes/macrophages and NK cells in PRAT-SVF was associated with donor aging. The presence of NK cell infiltrates was associated with lower PRAT-SVF angiogenic activity and with early allograft dysfunction evaluated on day 7 and at 1 month post-transplant. Conclusions: Our results indicate that human NK cell subsets are differentially recruited in the periorgan environment of aging kidney transplants. We provide novel evidence that PRAT-SVF represents a non-invasive and timely source of donor material with potential value to assess inflammatory features that impact organ quality and function., (Copyright © 2020 Boissier, François, Gondran Tellier, Meunier, Lyonnet, Simoncini, Magalon, Legris, Arnaud, Giraudo, Dignat George, Karsenty, Burtey, Lechevallier, Sabatier and Paul.)

Purpose of Review: Classically, kidney transplantation (KT) consists of heterotopic implantation of the renal graft in the iliac fossa with vascular anastomosis on the iliac vessel and reimplantation of the graft ureter in the bladder of the recipient. However, a wide range of variations exist in both vascular anastomosis and urinary diversion that the non-transplant surgeon should know., Recent Findings: For any pelvic surgery in a KT patient, the non-transplant surgeon should preoperatively evaluate the anatomy of the graft, its vascularization and its urinary tract. The transplant ureter should be identified and secured by preoperative JJ stenting whenever needed. For any surgery, maintenance and control of both immunosuppressive treatment and renal function is crucial. The advice or even the assistance of a transplant surgeon should be required because any damage to vascularization or urinary drainage of the renal graft could have dramatic and definitive consequences on graft function.

Background: Results of the conservative treatment of renal cell carcinomas arising in functional renal transplants are unknown compared to transplant nephrectomy. Only small series or case reports have been reported., Methods: Data were collected from 32 transplantation centers nationwide on cases of de novo tumors in functional renal transplants presumed to be malignant between January 1988 and December 2013., Results: Among 116 de novo transplant tumors, 62 were treated conservatively including: 48 by partial nephrectomy (PN) and 14 by thermal ablation (TA). These patients were compared to 30 other patients who were treated by transplant nephrectomy. The median age of the transplanted kidneys at the time of diagnosis was 43.5 years old as calculated from the donor's age. Tumors treated by transplant nephrectomy presented more often with symptoms (pain, fever, impaired condition, hematuria) than tumors treated conservatively (P = .019). After PN, final histology showed 27 (47.5%) papillary carcinomas, 19 (32.2%) clear cell carcinomas, 1 mixed carcinoma, and 2 oncocytomas. The median tumor size treated by PN was 24 mm with no difference in comparison to the TA group. Nine patients treated by PN had postoperative complications (21%), including 4 requiring operative intervention (Clavien IIIb). None of the patients treated by TA had complications. Specific survival was 100% at the time of last follow-up (median time after treatment 37 months) for patients treated by PN or TA., Conclusion: PN proved to be efficient in the treatment of small tumors of transplanted kidneys with good long-term functional and oncologic outcomes, including avoiding return to dialysis. TA seems to be an alternative therapy with good results in selected patients., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In kidney transplantation, the conditions of organ preservation following removal influence function recovery. Current static preservation procedures are generally based on immersion in a cold-storage solution used under atmospheric air (approximately 78 kPa N2, 21 kPa O2, 1 kPa Ar). Research on static cold-preservation solutions has stalled, and modifying the gas composition of the storage medium for improving preservation was considered. Organoprotective strategies successfully used noble gases and we addressed here the effects of argon and xenon on graft preservation in an established preclinical pig model of autotransplantation., Methods: The preservation solution Celsior saturated with pure argon (Argon-Celsior) or xenon (Xenon-Celsior) at atmospheric pressure was tested versus Celsior saturated with atmospheric air (Air-Celsior). The left kidney was removed, and Air-Celsior (n = 8 pigs), Argon-Celsior (n = 8) or Xenon-Celsior (n = 6) was used at 4 °C to flush and store the transplant for 30 h, a duration that induced ischemic injury in our model when Air-Celsior was used. Heterotopic autotransplantation and contralateral nephrectomy were performed. Animals were followed for 21 days., Results: The use of Argon-Celsior vs. Air-Celsior: (1) improved function recovery as monitored via creatinine clearance, the fraction of excreted sodium and tubulopathy duration; (2) enabled diuresis recovery 2-3 days earlier; (3) improved survival (7/8 vs. 3/8 pigs survived at postoperative day-21); (4) decreased tubular necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammation, and preserved tissue structures as observed after the natural death/euthanasia; (5) stimulated plasma antioxidant defences during the days following transplantation as shown by monitoring the "reduced ascorbic acid/thiobarbituric acid reactive substances" ratio and Hsp27 expression; (6) limited the inflammatory response as shown by expression of TNF-alpha, IL1-beta and IL6 as observed after the natural death/euthanasia. Conversely, Xenon-Celsior was detrimental, no animal surviving by day-8 in a context where functional recovery, renal tissue properties and the antioxidant and inflammation responses were significantly altered. Thus, the positive effects of argon were not attributable to the noble gases as a group., Conclusions: The saturation of Celsior with argon improved early functional recovery, graft quality and survival. Manipulating the gas composition of a preservation medium constitutes therefore a promising approach to improve preservation.

Purpose: We evaluated the success of endoscopic treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux after renal transplantation and identified factors predicting success., Materials and Methods: Endoscopy was performed for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux after renal transplantation in 38 women and 20 men between January 2000 and December 2010. Reflux was documented by retrograde cystography and its symptomatic character was determined by at least 1 episode of acute graft pyelonephritis. The results of endoscopic treatment were evaluated clinically at 1 and 3 months, and annually, and by cystography at 3 months. Clinical success was defined as absent acute graft pyelonephritis during followup. Radiological success was defined as absent reflux on followup cystography at 3 months., Results: Endoscopic treatment was clinically successful in 32 patients (56.1%), including 26 (65%) who received dextranomer-hyaluronic acid and 5 (33.3%) who received polydimethylsiloxane. Treatment was radiologically successful in 14 patients (26.4%) at a mean ± SD followup of 38 ± 33 months. On multivariate analysis male gender and dextranomer-hyaluronic acid were factors predictive of clinical success. Reflux grade did not predict success or failure. No high grade complication was reported., Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux of a transplanted kidney was effective in half of the cases regardless of the bulking agent used. However, dextranomer-hyaluronic acid appeared to be more effective than polydimethylsiloxane. Due to its minimally invasive nature and low morbidity endoscopic treatment with dextranomer-hyaluronic acid could be proposed as preoperative first line treatment for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux of a transplanted kidney regardless of reflux grade., (Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of the present study was to validate an experimental model of heterotopic renal allotransplantation. Such a model, more relevant to the human situation, has never been previously described., Materials and Methods: Pietrin pigs (40 to 50 kg) were used in the study. Through a midline incision, the left kidney was removed, washed, and preserved in a standard preservation solution (Celsior, Genzyme, France) for 20 hours at 4 °C. Heterotopic autotransplantation was performed into the right iliac fossa onto the external iliac vessels with an end-to-side anastomosis and a nonstented uretero-ureteral anastomosis was performed., Results: Twenty-five renal allotransplantations were performed over a 5-month time period. Mean operating time progressively decreased and stabilized after 15 procedures (mean ± SD: 78.2 ± 19 minutes and 187.4 ± 18 minutes for left nephrectomy and transplantation, respectively) as morbidity decreased concomitantly. Suturing times for end-to-side anastomosis of the renal artery and vein onto the external iliac artery and vein were 21.9 ± 7 minutes and 34 ± 8 minutes (mean ± SD), respectively. Ten pigs died before the end of the experiment., Conclusions: We have developed and validated the first nonrodent animal model of heterotopic renal autotransplantation relevant to the human anatomy and physiology. The procedure was easy to learn and safe. This model could be used to teach junior surgeons renal transplantation techniques and could also be used as a model to study ischemia-reperfusion injury in renal transplantation., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the morbidity and surgical complications of retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and compare these results with the observed morbidity in a control group of nontransplanted patients., Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study and reviewed the charts and records of 20 RTRs who had undergone RRP for localized prostate cancer at four French renal transplant centers belonging to the Renal Transplantation Committee of the French Urological Association from April 1996 to April 2007. A total of 40 patients who had undergone RRP at the same centers, by the same surgeons, were analyzed as the case-control population., Results: The mean operating time (163 +/- 41 vs 160 +/- 66 minutes), blood loss (516 +/- 279 vs 566 +/- 449 mL), transfusion rate (20% vs 22.5%), and hospital stay (11.9 +/- 5.44 vs 9.45 +/- 2.8 days) were similar in the RTR and case-control populations. No graft loss or graft injury was reported in the RTRs, except for two ureteral injuries that were immediately repaired during RRP. No decrease in the kidney graft function was observed after RRP. The rate of medical complication (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection) was similar in both groups, except for the rate of bacterial systemic infection, which was significantly greater in the RTRs than in the controls (15% vs 2.5%, P = .01)., Conclusions: In our study, RRP was a safe procedure to treat localized prostate cancer in RTRs. RRP resulted in the same morbidity in RTRs as in the case-control population.

Renal lithiasis in renal donors is rare. A renal stone in a donor, or in a renal transplant, is not a contraindication for harvesting nor transplantation. If possible, the stone must be removed at the time of the transplantation. The risk of lithiasis is increased in the renal transplant recipient, with a frequency of 2-6%. Metabolic abnormalities for lithiasis are frequent and can be induced by the immunosuppressive treatment, anticalcineurins. Lithiasis can have a poor prognosis in the renal recipient with a risk for infection or renal dysfunction. Small (<4-5mm) stones in a renal transplant can be followed-up. Stones of 0.5-1.5cm need an extracorporeal lithotripsy with a previous safety JJ stent. Stones greater than 1.5cm can be treated by ureteroscopy or percutaneous surgery.

Background: We conducted a retrospective multi-centre study to determine the characteristics of prostate cancer in renal transplant recipients (RTR) and to analyse the relation with immunosuppressive maintenance therapies., Methods: Patients from 19 French transplant centres diagnosed with prostate cancer at least 1 year after kidney transplantation were included in this study. Data regarding demographics, kidney transplantation, prostate cancer and immunosuppressive treatment were analysed., Results: Sixty-two patients met the eligibility criteria for this study. Thirty-eight patients (61.3%) received calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and azathioprine (AZA) with or without steroids, twenty received CNI with or without steroids (32.2%) and four received CNI and mycophenolate mofetil (6.5%). Patients with CNI and AZA immunosuppressive therapy presented more high-stage cancer (T3 and T4) when compared to patients receiving CNI alone (47.5% versus 15%, respectively, P = 0.03). A non-significant increase in lymph node invasion was found in patients receiving CNI and AZA compared to patients receiving CNI alone (21% versus 5%, P = 0.16). In the multivariate analysis, the immunosuppressive regimen with CNI and AZA was the only independent risk factor for locally advanced disease (P = 0.007)., Conclusion: Our results showed that RTR are at risk for early occurrence and for locally advanced prostate cancer, especially when they received a CNI and AZA maintenance immunosuppressive therapy.

The use of mTOR inhibitors started about 30 years ago following the discovery of rapamycin, a macrolide derived from a soilborne microorganism Streptomyces hygroscopicus that exerts antibiotic, immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties. Initially intended to be used as an antibiotic, a more detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of this class of drugs has rationalized and validated its use in the field of transplantation and oncology. Many clinical trials on mTOR inhibitors have been conducted in these two fields, in which urologists are actively involved. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanism of action and clinical applications of mTOR inhibitors in renal transplantation and oncology.

The transplanted kidney can be a vector of various diseases including tumours. These tumours, arising from donor cells, can be benign or malignant renal tumours or extrarenal tumours transmitted to the recipient in the form of occult metastases in the transplant. The authors review the statistical risks, prevention and therapeutic management of these tumours transmitted during renal transplantation.

Background: Cold ischemia time (CIT) is associated with delayed graft function (DGF) and transplant outcome. Several strategies to reduce CIT have been proposed. We retrospectively analyzed the effect of using a timesheet on CIT in our center., Methods: In the last 2 years, we have introduced a timesheet to study the course of organ procurement and transplantation during CIT. Results of our 2-year program (121 transplantations) were compared to those in the preceding 2 years (151 transplantations). The timing of each intervention and the influence of national sharing policy and priority recipients were recorded., Results: CIT decreased significantly from 21.45 to 13.27 hours (P<0.0001) and the DGF rate from 34.7 to 20.7% (P=0.011). Usually, human leukocyte antigen typing was done before kidney removal and the recipient was evaluated in the evening or at night for a transplant procedure starting in the morning. Only 1 of 121 transplantations started during the night. The availability of an operating room was the limiting factor. Sharing organs for national priority with a crossmatch having been performed increased CIT twofold (P<0.0001)., Conclusion: Using a timesheet significantly reduced CIT to the shortest in France. The timesheet is an indicator of motivation and requires the collaboration of all transplantation personnel. It identified certain habits that may be improved to minimize CIT without reorganizing the unit. Providing quicker access to the operating room should further reduce CIT, the key to better graft survival.

Study Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to describe the nature of the lesions observed during brain-dead cadavre donor kidney harvesting in France and to identify the risk factors for these lesions., Material and Methods: A questionnaire elaborated by the AFU Transplantation Committee concerning the quality of kidneys harvested from cadavre donors was sent to all centres performing renal transplantation in France in 2000. This prospective study was conducted over a period of 1 year and concerned the overall multi-organ harvesting procedure based on all data concerning the renal parenchyma, arteriovenous and ureteric characteristics, and the outcome of the transplants., Results: Twelve centres completed the survey, allowing analysis of the data of 201 donor kidneys. 91% of harvesting surgeons were urologists. Various incidents were reported during 11% of harvesting procedures, but 1/3 of the abnormalities were not recorded by the harvesting surgeon. Isolated kidney harvesting was found to be a risk factor (20% vs 8.6%). The rate of parenchymal abnormalities was 50%, 2/3 of which were related to inadequate removal of perirenal fat. Atheroma was a risk factor for arterial lesions during harvesting (21% vs 6.50). Venous abnormalities were detected in 9% of cases: 89% of them were due to the harvesting procedure and 59% of them were not identified by the harvesting surgeon. The fact of not being a transplant surgeon was a risk factor for venous lesions (21.9% vs 6.5%). 4% of ureteric lesions were observed with no consequence on graft outcome., Conclusion: Adequate removal of perirenal fat before conditioning is not acquired. Isolated kidney harvesting and atheroma were risk factors for parenchymal and arterial lesions, respectively. Venous harvesting anomalies were more frequent among non-transplant surgeons.

Objective: To study the prevalence, treatment and outcome of urothelial bladder tumours (UBT) in renal transplant recipients., Patients and Methods: Multicentre retrospective study performed in 2004 by questionnaire sent to members of the AFU Transplantation Committee., Result: Seven centres returned the questionnaire with a total of 32 UBTs in 21 males and 3 females with a mean age of 63.2 +/- 10.1 years, with no history of UBT. The incidence was 255 per 100,000. The median interval between transplantation and UBT was 60 months (range: 5 to 259 months). 72% of UBTs were stage pT > or = 1 and 63% were grade 3. CIS was present in 20% of cases. 25% of patients were N+. In addition to resection of the UBT, 3 patients were also treated with mitomycin C and 1 was treated with BCG. 7 patients underwent cystectomy, with a palliative objective in 42% of cases, associated with radiotherapy-chemotherapy (2/3) or chemotherapy alone (1/3). Immunosuppressive therapy was decreased in 50% of cases. Six patients (25%) died from bladder cancer, 25% relapsed with a tumour progression rate of 50%. 46% of patients were in remission of their UBT 4% died from an intercurrent cause. 76% of survivors have a Junctional graft with no alteration of serum creatinine., Conclusion: Renal transplant recipients have an increased incidence of UBT, which are more aggressive and associated with a higher mortality compared to the general population. Increased surveillance and aggressive treatment therefore appear to be justified.

The growth of living donor kidney transplantation, facilitated by revision of the French Bioethics Law of 6 August 2004, is sometimes fJced with the problem of ABO blood group incompatibility between the recipient and a potential donor. Are the risks of ABO-incompatible organ transplantation sufficiently mastered to allow satisfactory results? The authors conducted a review of ABO-incompatible transplantations in the light of the current state of knowledge on the immunological mechanisms involved and a systematic review of the international literature to define their level of proof.

Superficial urothelial tumours of the bladder are more frequent and more often at higher risk of progression and recurrence in renal transplant recipients. When conservative treatment of these tumours is indicated, BCG instillations are recommended. However, immunosuppression of renal transplant recipients constitutes a classical contraindication to BCG therapy. Some authors have nevertheless used BCG instillations in renal transplant recipients. The authors reviewed the use of BCG in renal transplant recipients by studying the effects of immunosuppression on the mechanisms of action of BCG and the various clinical experiences reported in the international literature.

Objective: Reduction of the cold ischaemia time is one of the major objectives designed to improve the quality and cost of renal transplantation. Based on the experience of other centres, we report the impact of using a renal transplantation timesheet on the cold ischaemia time in our centre., Material and Method: Since March 2004, we have used a renal transplantation timesheet with the collaboration of all personnel involved in transplantation (coordination, nephrologists, clinical pathologists). For each kidney harvested, the name of the personnel and the start and end times of their interventions were recorded. The authors report the results for the first 7 months. Cold ischaemia times and the incidence of delayed graft function were studied., Results: 47 kidneys were harvested between 01/03/2004 and 30/9/2004 in our centre and 46 transplantations were performed. The mean cold ischaemia time was 14 h 51 min, i.e. a reduction of 8 hours 58 minutes compared to that observed in 2003 (23 h 50 min) (p < 0.01). Delayed graft function (DGF) was observed in 10/46 (21.74%) recipients. This DGF rate was significantly lower than that observed in 2003 (DGF 2003 = 30%), while the mean donor serum creatinine was higher (155 +/- 177 micromol/l vs 98 +/- 71 micromol/l in 2003, p < 0.05). The longest delays were those related to availability of an operating room (n=2: 10 h and 14 h)., Conclusion: The use of a renal transplantation timesheet allowed a significant reduction of the cold ischaemia time and DGF rate. It requires the collaboration of all renal transplantation personnel and is an indicator of motivation. This timesheet allowed the correction of certain habits that can still be improved. These results should lead to an improvement of the results and cost of renal transplantation.

Background: The 10-year risk of developing a solid malignancy is 20% for kidney transplant recipients. The goal of the current study was to investigate the epidemiology and the diagnostic and prognostic parameters associated with de novo malignancies of the native kidney among transplant recipients at the authors' institution (Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Hôpital Salvator, Marseille, France)., Methods: The authors reexamined the follow-up of 933 consecutive transplant recipients at their institution between 1987 and 2003. Immunossupressive therapy was not modified in the event of malignant disease, nor was systematic radiologic monitoring of native kidneys performed. All de novo malignancies of the native kidney were included in the current analysis., Results: Among the 933 patients examined, a combined total of 12 malignancies of the native kidney were diagnosed in 11 individuals. For these 11 individuals, the average ages at transplantation and diagnosis were 42.5 and 49.1 years, respectively. Ten malignancies were discovered fortuitously, whereas two were symptomatic. Among the 10 renal echographies performed, there was 1 false-negative result. Tomodensitometry was performed in 11 cases and yielded no false-negative results. The average tumor size was 37 mm. Nephrectomy was performed in 10 cases, and biopsy was performed in 1. Among the 12 kidney malignancies encountered in the current study, there were 7 conventional cell carcinomas, 3 basophilic papillary carcinomas, and 2 chromophobic renal cell carcinomas. Half of all tumors were Furhman Grade 3 lesions, and pT1aN0M0 tumors (2003 TNM staging system) also accounted for half of all malignancies in the current cohort. Two affected transplant recipients died (one due to disease), and the remaining nine are alive without recurrence and with normal renal functioning (median follow-up, 39 months)., Conclusions: There appears to be an increased risk of malignancy of the native kidney in renal transplant recipients, with high-grade and papillary tumors being particularly common. Consequently, systematic radiologic follow-up of native kidneys must be performed for individuals who undergo kidney transplantation., ((c) 2004 American Cancer Society.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlations between histological examination of surgical biopsies before transplantation of good quality donor kidneys and delayed return of renal function and renal function at 1 year in order to determine whether histology could explain the various, sometimes surprising outcomes observed with these good quality transplants., Material and Method: From November 1999 to March 2002, 110 consecutive renal transplantations were performed in our centre from 79 different donors, not including any "borderline" donors. During preparation of each transplant, a surgical wedge biopsy of the mid-renal cortex was performed. Biopsies were paraffin-embedded then stained with P.A.S. (Periodic Acid Shiff). Histological examination was performed by a single pathologist and focused on the glomeruli (number, morphology), and the morphology of the interstitial space and vessels. Delayed return of transplant renal function was defined by the need for dialysis during the first week after renal transplantation. Immunosuppression and surveillance protocols were standardized and uniform. Transplant function at 1 year was evaluated by serum creatinine and creatinine clearance calculated according to Cockcroft's formula., Results: The mean number of glomeruli per biopsy was 15.0 +/- 10.8. 42 renal biopsies (39.2%). Histological examination did not reveal any vascular, interstitial or glomerular lesions. Among these 42 transplants with normal biopsies, 30 (71.4%) did not develop delayed return of renal function (vs 69% of the transplants with abnormal biopsies, p > 0.05). Mean serum creatinine at 1 year (168.5 +/- 63 micromol/l vs 166.9 +/- 40.5 micromol/l, p > 0.05) and mean creatinine clearance at 1 year (53.4 +/- 17.4 ml/min. vs 48.3 +/- 14.3 ml/min, p > 0.05) were not significantly different between the normal biopsy group and the abnormal biopsy group., Conclusion: Histological abnormalities are frequently observed in renal transplants derived from good quality donors. The biopsy result before renal transplantation from "non-borderline" donors was not significantly correlated with the risk of delayed return of transplant function or the renal function at 1 year Biopsy alone cannot constitute a reliable criterion for the selection of renal transplants from "non-borderline" donors.

Development of cancer on a kidney transplant is a rare complication of renal transplantation. In the light of a case of cancer on a kidney transplant, in a series of 729 consecutive renal transplantations performed between January 1987 and December 2000, the authors discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prognosis, treatment and prevention of this disease and emphasize the importance of regular and prolonged periodic ultrasound surveillance of kidney transplants. The reference treatment is transplantectomy with discontinuation of immunosuppression and resumption of haemodialysis. Under certain conditions, partial transplantectomy could appear be an alternative to the reference treatment.

Objective: To determine whether Belzer solution (Viaspan, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Brussels, Belgium), which is more expensive than Eurocollins solution, was better at preventing delayed graft function (DGF) and whether it was cost-effective as it could potentially reduce post-transplantation complications., Method: The risk of occurrence of complications associated with the use of these two rinsing and preserving solutions was estimated from a survey of 106 patients undergoing renal transplantation between 1 January 1993 and 31 March 1998. Both efficacy and adverse outcomes were recorded along with the costs directly associated with the transplantation procedure in the hospital setting: hospitalization, rinsing and preserving solutions, medical and technical interventions and diagnostic tests., Results: For the 45 kidney grafts rinsed and preserved with Eurocollins (strategy S1: n1 = 45) the cost/graft was estimated at 40 euros. With Viaspan (strategy S2: n2 = 61) the corresponding cost/graft was 424 euros. Logistic regression analysis showed that Viaspan was better than Eurocollins solution (ebeta = 0.437; P = 0.05) in preventing DGF. Overall, S2 was less expensive than S1, from the hospital's perspective. The mean difference per patient was 278 euros, which amounts to a saving of 2% of the total cost per renal transplantation. For rinsing and preserving kidney grafts Belzer solution is therefore preferable to Eurocollins solution.

Background: There is no consensus regarding prostate cancer in renal-transplant recipients (RTR). A questionnaire evaluating prostate cancer screening after transplantation and assessing the number, diagnostic modalities, treatment, and outcome of prostate cancer cases was mailed to 22 French renal-transplant centers., Results: Among 1,680 RTR in 1998, 11 (0.65%) cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed, and among the 2,338 recipients followed up, 28 (1%) cases of prostate cancer have been diagnosed and treated. Median ages at diagnosis and at transplantation were 63 and 58, respectively. Clinical stages were T1 50% and T2 25%. Eighteen patients had a Gleason score under 7. At 18 months of mean follow-up, 2 men had died from prostate cancer, and in the curative treatment group, 16 of 17 men were alive with no evidence of disease., Conclusions: The incidence of prostate cancer in RTR appeared to be higher than expected. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing should be performed routinely each year in renal transplantation centers.

Previous studies aimed at identifying the causes, risk factors, and outcome of kidney transplant recipients with delayed graft function (DGF) have yielded controversial results. We retrospectively analyzed the causes and risk factors for DGF in 263 cadaveric kidney transplantations from November 1988 to March 1997 in one center. Causes of DGF were assessed by postoperative graft evolution and graft biopsy. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to investigate the risk factors for DGF induced by acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Seventy-six patients (29%) had DGF, which was caused by ATN in 70 patients (92.1%) and acute rejection (AR) in 6 patients (7.9%). Therefore, we focused on risk factors and consequences for ATN-induced DGF. In monofactorial analysis, ATN was significantly associated with greater weight and presence of an atheromatous disease in both donor and recipient. Other risk factors for ATN were older age of donor, recipient American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status category IV, cold ischemia time (CIT), and transplantation using the right kidney. The multivariate analysis showed that donor and recipient weight, donor age, transplantation using the right kidney, preservation in Eurocollins solution, ASA score, and CIT were associated with ATN. The incidence of rejection and renal function were not different at 3 months or 1 and 5 years. ATN is the main cause of DGF in kidney transplant recipients. ATN is caused by donor and recipient vascular background, grafting the right kidney, and CIT. ATN does not appear to have an adverse effect on long-term kidney function.

The treatment of ureteric strictures in renal transplantation used to be surgical, but has recently benefited from progress in endourology. The authors report the case of a renal transplant recipient who developed late stricture of the ureterovesical reimplantation of the transplant. After percutaneous nephrostomy, which restored good renal function, retrograde endoureterotomy was performed using an Acucise ureterotome balloon, followed by ureteric modelling on a 7F double J stent for 2 months. With a follow-up of 18 months, renal function was normal and ultrasonography showed residual hypotonia of the transplant cavities and no vesicorenal reflux was detected by retrograde voiding cystourethrography. Acucise retrograde endoureterotomy can constitute a simple endourological treatment for late ureteric strictures in renal transplantation.

Objective: The principles of treatment of de novo bladder tumours in renal transplant patients are comparable to those applied in non-transplant patients. In the case of an invasive tumour, techniques can be used to restore urinary tract continuity after cystectomy. A case of cystectomy with enterocystoplasty for invasive bladder tumour in a renal transplant patient is reported., Material and Methods: An invasive urothelial bladder tumour was discovered in a 62-year-old man, 3 months after a 2nd renal transplantation. Treatment consisted of cystectomy with prostatic preservation and nontubulized enterocystoplasty., Result: With a follow-up of 21 months after cystectomy, the patient is alive without recurrence. He is perfectly continent during the day, with normal sexual intercourse and no reflux or residual urine. Renal function is normal., Conclusion: Cystectomy with enterocystoplasty can be an effective treatment for invasive bladder tumour in renal transplant patients. This treatment ensures oncological control and acceptable comfort while preserving the transplant.

We report the case of a transplantation of a horseshoe kidney to 2 recipients after isthmic section of the kidney. A review of the literature since 1975 mentions only 14 cases of transplantation of a horseshoe kidney. In the absence of a significant urological clinical history of the donor, the presence of a horseshoe kidney, in the case of multiorgan harvesting, does not represent a contraindication for transplantation.

Objectives: To evaluate the morbidity of multiple artery renal transplants (> 1 artery) and to assess the value of this parameter as a risk factor for complications of renal transplantation in adults., Methods: 140 renal transplants derived from brain dead donors with multiple arteries (2 arteries = 123, 3 arteries = 17) were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 3 years (6-120 months). Pedicle restoration was performed in 57 cases (end-to-side reimplantation of a polar artery = 17, composite aortic patch graft = 14, multiple procedures = 10, ligation of a polar artery = 8, arterial wound = 5, "gun barrel" anastomosis of 2 arteries = 4). Arteriography was performed systematically in 57 cases, in the absence of any signs suggestive of a vascular complication., Results: 2 recipients died from a vascular complication. 40% of transplants were functional at 5 years. 10 transplantectomies were performed for a vascular complication. 14 recipients returned to dialysis because of a vascular complication. 7.5% of systematic arteriographies revealed stenosis of the transplant artery. 54 transplants developed a vascular complication: thrombosis = 19, stenosis = 25. Three-artery transplants had a vascular morbidity of 50%. "Gun-barrel" anastomoses and polar reimplantations into the main trunk had a vascular morbidity of 40%. The urological morbidity was 10%., Conclusion: Multiple artery renal transplants, especially 3-artery transplants and certain pedicle restorations, are associated with a high risk of vascular complications. Arterial anatomy is a selection criterion for the donor and recipient which must be taken into account in renal transplantation.

Objectives: Multicentre study of the Transplantation Committee of the Association Française d'Urologie (French Urology Association) concerning the attitudes of various French transplantation centres in relation to renal transplantectomy., Methods: Nine centres participated in this study: Bordeaux, Brest, Grenoble, Marseille, Nantes, Paris-Necker, Paris-La Pitié, Strasbourg and Toulouse. The survey was performed by means of 2 types of forms: study of transplantectomies performed between 1982 and 1992, specific study of transplantectomies performed in 1992., Results: From 1982 to 1992, 731 transplantectomies were performed in these centres, i.e. 15% of all renal transplantations. Rejection represented 80% of the indications and vascular complications represented 15%. The technique used before the 6th week was complete removal of the transplant. After this period, the transplant was removed via a subcapsular approach. The postoperative mortality was 0.7% and the morbidity was 26%. In 1992, 91 transplantectomies were performed in these different centres. Forty-two per cent of the transplants presented with local signs and 38% with general signs. A subcapsular transplantectomy was performed in 84% of cases, for rejection in every case. The morbidity was 16%. Complete removal of the transplant was performed in 16% of cases, essentially for infectious complications. The morbidity was 7%., Conclusion: The renal transplantectomy technique must be adapted to the interval after transplantation: before the 6th week, the transplant must be completely removed; after this period, subcapsular transplantectomy must be performed. This operation therefore no longer carries the mortality and morbidity attributed to it.