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The authors describe a kidney transplant procedure using a living donor with a large cyst and double arteries. Due to the lack of regular transplant activity from a deceased donors, we decided to use the, so called, expanded criteria living donors, which means older age (more than 65 years), hypertension, some structural anomalies of the kidneys (cysts, multiple renal arteries), ABO incompatible kidney transplant, etc. The surgical procedure was the unroofing of a large cyst and wadding with perirenal fat. The 10 years survival rate is quite successful and we can recommend it., (© 2024 Zivko Popov et al., published by Sciendo.)

Celiac-like disease and celiac sprue associated with widespread use of mycophenolic acid are among the most frequent complications of renal transplant. Most cases have been observed in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil; however, there have been rare instance after administration of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium. Here, we describe 4 renal transplant recipients with celiac-like duodenopathy that occurred in association with enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium treatment in a time period of 14 to 19 years after living donor kidney transplant. Three of 4 patients had diarrhea, and all 4 patients had marked loss of body weight. Esophago-gastroduodenoscopy was not diagnostically helpful; however, randomly performed duodenal biopsies showed mild villous atrophy and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Replacement of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium with azathioprine was successful with stopping diarrhea, allowing regained body weight, and stabilization of renal function. This potential complication in kidney transplant recipients can occur more than a decade after transplant. Diagnosis and treatment initiation are urgent to cure this disease.

Although kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for end stage kidney disease, it is still associated with long-term graft failure. One of the greater challenges for transplant professionals is the ability to identify grafts with a high risk of failure before initial decline of eGFR with irreversible graft changes. Transplantation medicine is facing an emerging need for novel disease end point-specific biomarkers, with practical application in preventive screening, early diagnostic, and improved prognostic and therapeutic utility. The aim of our review was to evaluate the clinical application of urinary proteomics in kidney transplant recipients at risk for any type of future graft failure., (© 2021 Ioannis Chrysikos, published by Sciendo.)

Objectives: Incidence of vascular anomalies in donor kidneys varies from 18% to 30% and presents a challenge for a transplant surgeon in kidney transplant. Here we present our personal experience for man - agement of the complicated and unexpected cases., Materials and Methods: A total of 250 kidney transplants (226 living, 24 deceased) were performed in a period of 24 years; mean donor age was 55 years (range, 25-86 years), and mean recipient age was 38.6 years (range, 14-66 years). We analyzed the surgical techniques, complications and outcomes, rejection episodes, kidney function, and graft and patient survival rates., Results: Of 250 nephrectomies, 209 had a single artery (83.6%), 34 had 2 arteries (13.6%), and 7 had 3 arteries (2.8%). Of 34 double arteries, 14 had 2 main arteries, 15 had a main and a polar artery, and 5 had an aortic Carrel patch after deceased donation. According to the size, type, and position, the anastomoses were performed with branches of hypogastric, epigastric inferior, iliac external, and main renal artery, intracorporeally or in bench surgery. Regarding veins, 1 double inferior vena cava, 1 left-side inferior vena cava, 4 retroaortic, 2 circumaortic, 10 large lumbar veins draining into the left renal veins, and 8 cases with 2 or more different size renal veins were managed. In 9 cases with short right renal vein, an extension with vena cava (a "Barry cavoplasty") was performed in deceased donor organs. No serious surgical complications related to vascular anomalies were observed. There were no statistical differences in 1-, 6-, and 12-month graft survival rates between the groups with or without vascular anomalies., Conclusions: Vascular anomalies should no longer be considered a contraindication for transplant, if careful anastomosis is performed in every case to avoid ischemia and further complications. Therefore, management of vascular anomalies could be a graftsaving procedure.

Objectives: Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte disorder that may occur during the first few months after a renal transplant, in patients undergoing cyclosporine immunosuppression. We present our experience with cyclosporine-associated hyperkalemia in living-donor renal transplant recipients, with isolated clinically relevant hyperkalemia soon after surgery., Materials and Methods: We report 4 living-donor renal recipients with hyperkalemia soon after transplant., Results: Severe unexpected hyperkalemia (7.5- 9.4 mmol/L) was noted in our patients 12, 20, 22, and 34 days after transplant. The C2 cyclosporine concentration was within recommended range or slightly greater than 1200 ng/mL. The hypertonic glucose/insulin treatment along with potassium diet was without results. A reduction in daily cyclosporine dosages, along with 1- to 2-week administration of fludrocortisone was effective. The patients became normokalemic taking a standard, triple-drug immunosuppression protocol, and were discharged home with normal renal function. There were no repeat episodes of hyperkalemia in any of the patients during 12 months of follow-up., Conclusions: Cyclosporine should be considered a cause of hyperkalemia in renal transplant recipients. Successful treatment with fludrocortisone confirms that transitional pseudohypoaldosteronism has a potential nephrotoxic effect of cyclosporine. We recommend close monitoring of the cyclosporine concentration and administering fludrocortisone when treating hyperkalemia in renal transplant recipients.

Renal transplantation is surely the best treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients in both developed and developing countries. Due to the tragic events in former Yugoslavia at the beginning of the nineties, it was not possible to develop a really good clinical practice in the field of transplantation. Facing the lack of Deceased Donor Donation Transplantation and any organ-sharing among the Balkan countries, we introduced a large and very ambitious living donor transplant programme including what were called expanded criteria living donors. In the period of the past 20 years elderly (above 65 years), unrelated (emotionally related), marginal and ABO incompatible living donors were accepted. Due to the skilled surgical team, powerful immunosupression and HLA compatibility testing, the results were promising and the number of complications very low. The authors concluded that use of an expanded criteria living donor is fully acceptable, especially in developing countries, and could ameliorate the severe organ shortage in the region.

The Balkan region has dramatically changed during the last 20 years. Despite transplantation efforts, dialysis remains the usual way to treat end stage renal diseases. Living donor renal transplantation is still the predominant transplant activity. Seeking to solve the problem, we decided to accept expanded criteria living donors, including elderly, marginal, unrelated, and ABO-incompatible individuals. Herein we have presented our 20 years' experience with 230 living donor renal transplantations using elderly individuals, including 90 older than 65 years (mean age 68 ± 4.5; range = 65-86; ED group). The predominantly haploidentical recipients had a mean age of 45 ± 6 years (range = 18-66). Sequential immunosuppressive protocols were used in all cases including induction with anti-thymocyte-globulin or interleukin-2 receptor antagonists. We analyzed the 5-year Kaplan-Meier graft survival rate, rejection episodes, delayed graft function, and renal function for comparison with these outcomes of 110 kidneys from younger donors (mean age = 53.4 years; range = 25-62; YD group) and haploidethical recipients (mean age = 32.2, range = 16-42), performed within the same period. The 3- and 5-year cumulative graft survival rates in the ED group were 81% and 72% compared with 85% and 81% in the YD group respectively (P > .9; NS). The incidences of acute rejection episodes were also comparable for both groups (19% and 17%, respectively). Delayed graft function occurred in 15% of the ED group but only 8% of the YD group. The serum creatinine value at the end of 60 months' follow-up was 146.04 μmol/L in the ED group versus 123.38 μmol/L in the YD group (P < .001). There were no major surgical complications in either group. We recommend the use of elderly living donors as a valuable source of kidneys, especially in countries wherein deceased donor transplantation is not yet established., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The lack of cadaver organs for transplantation motivates some Balkan patients to go to developing countries to buy a kidney. We have followed 36 patients who received kidney transplants in Lahore and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The patients had not been cleared for transplantation with a standard pre-transplant work-up: 80% were hepatitis-C virus (HCV) or HBsAg positive. During follow-up, seven patients died. Sixteen patients experienced wound infections with post-operative hernias, and three patients developed peri-renal hematomas. Six abscesses and four lymphoceles occurred, and four urinary fistulas were surgically treated. Nephrectomy was performed in three patients because of renal artery thrombosis. Nine patients developed active hepatitis C, and four patients manifested cytomegalovirus disease. Three patients developed steroid diabetes, and three patients experienced acute myocardial infarction. Nine patients had one or more rejection episodes. Urinary tract infection with Pseudomonas or Escherichia occurred frequently. The one-yr patient and graft survival rates were 80% and 68%, respectively. Paid unregulated renal transplantation is not recommended for both ethical reasons and because of an association with excessive morbidity and mortality., (© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether treatment of subclinical, borderline rejections (SR/BR) or histological findings of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in protocol biopsies in the first month posttransplantation after living related kidney transplantation has a beneficial effect on graft histology and renal function at 6 months. Among the 40 paired biopsies, only 6/80 showed no histological lesions. BR was found in 13/40 and 12/40, and SR in 15/40 and 21/40 of patients on the 1- and 6-month biopsies, respectively. The mean histological index/total sum of scores for acute and chronic changes (HI) increased at 6-month biopsy: 5.3 +/- 2.9 vs 7.8 +/- 3.6 (P < .001). Similarly, the mean sum of histological markers for chronicity (CAN score) of 2.1 +/- 1.5 increased to 4.6 +/- 2.3 (P < .001) on the 6-month biopsy. When divided according to whether there was treatment of BR and SR, the treated BR/SR group on 1-month biopsy had a mean HI score of 7.11 +/- 1.9, which remained almost the same (7.11 +/- 2.32) at 6 months. Among the untreated BR/SR group it increased from 4.95 +/- 1.99 to 8.16 +/- 4.30. However, there was no difference in graft function between the groups from 1 to 6 months. In conclusion, a protocol 1-month biopsy may be valuable to establish the prevalence of BR/SR in stable allografts. The presence of an untreated BR/SR upon a 1-month biopsy showed greater susceptibility for histological deterioration on the 6-month biopsy due to an accelerated CAN process.

The occurrence of malignancies is a well-known serious complication after organ transplantation. Despite the fact that many factors may be involved, the pathogenesis is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the incidence and clinical characteristics of de novo malignancies that arise after renal transplantation over a 13-year experience in a single center in the Balkan Peninsula. During this period, 185 renal transplantations (139 living related and 46 cadaveric) were followed in our department. Overall, 19 malignancies (9.78%) were observed in 15 patients (7.8%). The mean age of these patients was 45 years (range, 21-53 years). Ten patients (55%) developed skin cancers: 8 squamous and 2 basal cell. Kaposi's sarcomas were found in 3 patients (16.6%, 1 visceral form). We also detected 1 breast cancer, 1 seminoma, 1 colon cancer, 1 urogenital-transitional cell-like cancer, 1 renal cell carcinoma, 1 plasmacytoma, and 1 retroperitoneal sarcoma after an ABO incompatible transplantation. All cancers were de novo malignancies that presented at a mean time of 21 months (range, 2-52 months) after surgery. In conclusion, the incidence of malignancy in the present series was similar to that reported elsewhere. The predominance of skin cancers was understandable bearing in mind the sunshine. The appearance of skin malignancies in our group of patients was earlier, more severe, and multiple sites. No cases of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders were observed. Careful clinical examination and long-term screening protocols are needed for early detection and treatment of this life-threatening complication among the transplant population.

Background: Due to the growing organ shortage in the Balkans and still underdeveloped cadaver transplantation, we started accepting living expanded criteria renal donors including elderly, marginal and unrelated donors (spouses, etc). The ABO-incompatible renal transplantation was initiated last year. The first two successful cases are presented., Methods: A 40-yr-old mother (blood group A1B) and a 57-yr-old husband (blood group B) were considered as suitable donors for an 18-yr-old daughter (blood group B) and a 52-yr-old wife (blood group O). Both the recipients had a relatively long dialysis treatment before the surgery. The anti-A1 and anti-B titer of isoaglutinins was 1 : 64 in both the recipients before the procedure. A routine laparoscopic splenectomy was performed 40 and 45 days before the transplantation, without any complications. In the 10 days pre-conditioning period, rituximab was administered in a single dose of 375 mg/m2. At the same time four to five plasmaphereses were performed to reduce the isoaglutinins to below 1 : 4. On the last night before the surgery intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in a dose of 0.5 g/kg/bw was administered. Standard induction and maintenance therapy was introduced (Dacllizumab, CyA-Neoral, MMF and steroids) according to the accepted policy in our transplant center. The routine plasmaphereses were performed in the first 2 weeks after transplantation to keep the isoaglutinins titer below 1 : 8., Results: Ten and 6 months after the surgery both recipients are doing well. Their graft function remains stable (actual serum creatinin 140 and 230 microm/L, respectively). In the 1 month protocol biopsy a subclinical cellular and mild vascular rejection occurred, and both recipients were treated by steroid pulse therapy. One to two additional plasmaphereses were performed. The regularly monitored anti-A1 and anti-B isoaglutinins titer was kept below 1 : 8 during a period of follow-up., Conclusion: The first short-term results fully justify the ABO-incompatible living renal transplantation. The authors consider ABO-incompatible transplantation as a safe and promising procedure which may, together with expanded criteria living donors, ameliorate the actual donor shortage in the region.

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is one of the most frequent causes of end-stage renal disease. Recurrent GN can occur very early after transplantation in up to 20% of renal-allograft recipients and should be considered with late graft dysfunction in 2-5%. Importantly, diagnosis of a clinically silent recurrence of the disease will pass undetected unless transplant centers have a policy of protocol biopsies. In addition, the classification of the type of recurrent GN should be done with data on electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, in order to promote prompt treatment and a strategy for long-term graft survival. The aim of our paper was to present a few typical cases of recurrent GN, showing the actuality of the problem in living related kidney transplant recipients and to ascertain the importance of precise and timely diagnosis by protocol biopsy. Recurrent focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) in childhood is associated with the highest number of graft loss. The treatment of recurrent FSGN is difficult, so prophylactic plasmapheresis prior to transplantation appeared to be more effective in preventing recurrence than plasmapheresis after transplantation, especially in population of children. Mesangio proliferative GN type II is the second most frequent recurrent GN, followed by type I. Here, it is of paramount importance to classify the type of the disease. The family of the patient at risk for recurrent GN, a candidate for living related kidney transplantation, should be informed for the expected outcome and their voluntary decision whether to proceed with transplantation should be awaited.

Histological markers of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in early protocol biopsies may ultimately result in deterioration of graft function. The aim of our study was to evaluate risk factors of early CAN histology and to determine whether treatment of borderline and subclinical acute rejections (BR/SAR) at 1-month posttransplant, prevents development and/or progression of CAN at 6-month biopsy. Thirty-five paired kidney allograft biopsies at 1 and 6 months after transplantation were blindly reviewed using Banff'97 criteria. The mean CAN score (sum of histological markers for chronicity) increased significantly at 6-month biopsy (1.83 +/- 1.46 vs 4.66 +/- 2.35; p < 0.01). No CAN was present in 27/70 biopsies (38.6%), 71.4% showed progression and 28.6% were with stable CAN at 6-month biopsy. When compared according to the progression, mean histological index (HI) score (sum of acute/chronic changes) in progressed CAN group (pCAN) increased significantly at 6-month biopsy (5.0 +/- 3.0 vs 9.5 +/- 2.8; p < 0.001). At 1-month biopsy, BR/SAR were found in 68% and 70%, in the pCAN and stable (sCAN) groups, respectively. The percentage of treated BR/SAR in sCAN group was significantly higher (57.1 vs 23.5%; p < 0.05), and the score of acute histological lesions lower (1.08 +/- 0.95 vs 0.35 +/- 0.66; p < 0.01) at 6-month biopsy. In conclusion, 1-month protocol biopsy may be valuable to uncover BR/SAR and the presence of early CAN in stable renal allografts. Progression of CAN at 6-month biopsy in our study was found to be associated with a greater number of untreated BR/SAR at 1-month biopsy. This observation may have important implications in the design of clinical trials aimed to prevent the progression of CAN.

Our study sought to identify the possible implications of histological findings of borderline and subclinical rejections as well as histological markers of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in protocol biopsies at 1 and 6 months after living-related kidney transplantation. Twenty-eight paired allograft biopsies were blindly reviewed using Banff '97 criteria, among which only 10.7% (6/56) showed no histopathological lesions. BR was found in 9/28 (32.1%) and 6/28 (21.4%), and SR in 3/28 (10.7%) and 10/28 (35.7%) of the patients, in the 1 and 6 month biopsies, respectively. The mean CAN score (sum of histological markers for chronicity) increased significantly at 6 months biopsy, 1.57 +/- 1.36 vs. 4.36 +/- 2.32 (p < 0.01). When compared according to chronicity index (CI < 5 >), the high CI group had a mean CAN score of 2.36 +/- 1.15 at 1 month, which increased to 5.14 +/- 1.99 at 6 months biopsy (188.9%). The proportion of these changes in low CI group were also increased from 0.79 +/- 1.12 to 3.57 +/- 2.38 (451.9%). In conclusion, a protocol 1 month biopsy may uncover a high prevalence of BR or SR in stable allografts. The presence of an untreated BR or SR in biopsies with low chronicity index showed greater susceptibility to histological deterioration on the 6 month biopsy, associated with rapid impairment of graft function and chronic allograft nephropathy.

Due to the increase of organ shortage and still inadequate development of cadaver transplantation, many end-stage patients from the Balkan region travel mostly to India to buy a kidney. Despite all the ethical dilemmas and discussions, organ sales is present nowdays in Third-World countries. Sixteen patients (13 from Macedonia and 3 from Kosovo, SCG) were observed clinically during a period of 10 years. Recipients of mean age 36.5 years (range 10 to 58) displayed the following underlying diseases: chronic glomerulonephritis (n = 5), urethral valves with reflux (n = 2), ADPKD (n = 1), hypertensive nephropathy (n = 4), lithiasis (n = 1), and unknown cause of ESRD (n = 3). The donor population was young (22 to 29 years). Most patient records did not include data on HLA, cross-match, MLC, kind of surgery, or usual pretransplant workup. The immunosuppressive protocol included CyA, PRED, and AZA or MMF. All transplanted patients were followed on an outpatient basis in our department; patients with complications were hospitalized. The 1, 3, 5, and 10 year Kaplan Meier graft survival rates were 78.6%, 50.2%, 33.3%, and 18.8%, respectively. Seven patients were lost (43.7%), two during the first month after transplantation, two at the end of the first year, and three at 5, 6, and 8 years thereafter. The main reasons for death were severe pulmonary infections with sepsis, hepatitis B with liver cirrhosis, Kala Azar, CMV, and cancer of the colon. Five grafts were lost due to repeated rejection episodes and chronic graft nephropathy. The last three cases remained with good renal function and actual serum creatinine values of 135 +/- 9. In view of this experience, the authors cannot recommend this type of transplantation, not only from the ethical point of view, but also from frequent medical and surgical complications which are sometimes life threatening.

The aim of the present study was to identify subclinical and borderline rejections as well as histological markers of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) among protocol biopsies performed at 1 and 6 months after living related kidney transplantation to assess their possible implications for graft function. Twenty paired allograft biopsies performed at 1 and 6 months were reviewed according to the Banff scoring scheme. The mean ages of donors and recipients were 59.6 +/- 13.8 and 34.4 +/- 8.7 years, respectively. Among all biopsies only 10% (4/40) showed no histopathological lesions. At the first month borderline rejection was shown in 35% and subclinical rejection in 10% of patients. At 6 months the proportion of findings was even higher, namely, 40% and 30%, respectively. When divided according to donor age, donors above 55 years showed a mean CAN score of 2.33 +/- 1.56 which increased to 5.0 +/- 2.26 on the 6 month biopsy (214.3%). Unexpectedly, the proportion of these changes in the younger donor group also increased by 173.3%, which might have been explained by the greater number of borderline and subclinical rejections in the younger donor group at the 1 month biopsy. In conclusion, 1 month biopsy may be valuable to determine borderline and subclinical rejection and to prognosticate the outcome of renal allograft function. Our findings suggest a greater susceptibility of histological deterioration among the older donor population. However, the presence of an untreated rejection in the younger donor pool leads to a rapid impairment of the graft function accelerating the process of chronic allograft nephropathy.

Background: As elsewhere, the growing organ shortage is a main problem for organ transplantation. To solve the problem, we started accepting genetically unrelated, but emotionally related living donors., Methods: In the period of 1998-2002, 14 LERT are performed in the University Clinical Centre in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. As suitable donors are used predominantly spouses, but also mother and brother in law. The immunosuppression included a quadruple protocol with Interleukin-2R antagonists, late cyclosporin A, MMF and steroids. The two-year graft and patients survival of LERT was compared with 22 living genetically related donor transplantation (LRT) performed in the same time., Results: The two years graft survival was 100% in LERT and 92% in LRT. There are not any significant difference among the medical and surgical complications between the two groups of pts. The actual serum creatinin was 101+22 in LERT compared with 142+34 in LRT., Conclusion: The authors recommend the LERT as a valid alternative especially in the countries where the regular cadaver transplantation is not yet established.

Aim: Efforts to increase the donor pool and available organs included some unconventional kidney transplantation. One of these was including elderly donors for both, living and cadaver kidney transplantation. The aim of the study was to review our single centre experience with living donor transplants from elderly advanced age donors., Patients and Methods: During a period of 7 years, 71 living related renal transplantations were performed. Twenty-six of them were over 65 (mean 69+/-4, range 65 to 81), but 10 were over 70 years of age. The survival rate was compared with 45 transplants from younger donors (mean age 51+/-6, range 24 to 59). The cold and warm ischemia time, the preservation procedure and blood vessels anastomosis time were comparable in both donor groups. The immunosuppression included sequental quadruple protocol with ATG, PRED, AZA and CyA replacing ATG after 7 days. The triple drug (AZA, PRED, CyA) maintenance therapy was applied to all recipients., Results: Kaplan-Meier 1-, 3- and 5-year graft survival was 88.0%, 79.2% and 68%, respectively, for advanced donor age group and 90.2%, 82.4% and 74%, respectively, for younger donor group. The difference was slightly statistically significant (p < 0.05). In 6 patients who received graft from elderly donors, a delayed graft function was observed, whereas only in one in the younger donor group., Conclusion: Despite the worse results in the elderly donors' transplants, we consider the advanced age donors as an important source of kidneys contributing to solving the actual organ shortage, especially in our region.

Transplantations using grafts from living donors were performed on 70 patients with chronic kidney failure, 66 of them involved matching recipients-donors and four involved non-matching recipients-donors. Immunological data were analyzed in 56 pairs of recipients and patients. Of these pairs, one was identical, seven had three identical antigens, 46 were haploidentical at A and B loci, one pair was identical in one antigen and one pair was completely incompatible. The survival of transplanted kidneys largely depended on the degree of histocompatibility. In 33 (59%) transplantations kidneys are functioning from more than 36 months. In the group of seven transplanted pairs with three identical antigens kidneys are functioning in six cases, with four of them functioning from more than 72 months. In the remaining patients (41 patients [73%]) kidneys are functioning, with 8 of them functioning from more than 10 years. The existence of HLA antibodies was investigated. Preimmunization was found in 18 (32%) patients and correlated with the number of blood transfusions. Rejection crises were observed in 12 (21%) patients. As the number of blood transfusions per patient increased the number of rejection crises decreased. Rejection crises were also observed in haploidentical pairs, with a relative risk > 30%. They occurred in the first 2 weeks following transplantation.

Efforts to increase the donor pool of available organs have resulted in some unconventional kidney transplantation procedures. One of these is the use of elderly donors for both living and cadaver kidney transplantations. The aim of this study was to review our experience with kidney transplants from living elderly donors. During a period of 10 years, 70 living renal transplantations were performed. In 32 transplants the age of the donor was above 65 years (mean 69 +/- 4 years, range: 65 to 81 years) and in 10 of these 32 transplants the age of the donor was over 70 years. The survival rate was compared with that of 38 transplants from younger donors (mean age 51 +/- 6 years, range: 24 to 59 years). The time to cold and warm ischemia, the preservation procedure and time to anastomosis of blood vessels were comparable in both groups of donors. Immunosuppression included a sequential quadruple protocol, using thymoglobulin (ATG), prednisolone (PRED), azathioprin (AZA) and cyclosporin A (CsA), which replaced ATG/PRED after day seven. A triple drug maintenance therapy (AZA, PRED, CsA) was used in all recipients. Kaplan-Meier survival curves at 1, 3 and 5 years showed that graft survival was 88%, 79% and 64% respectively for grafts from the advanced age donor group and 92%, 82% and 68% respectively for grafts from the younger donor group. The difference was slightly statistically significant (p < 0.05). Functioning of the graft was delayed in six patients who had received grafts from elderly donors and in one patient who had received a graft from a young donor. Despite worse results in transplantation with grafts from elderly donors, we consider this population as an important source of kidneys, which might help solve the present organ shortage, especially in our region.

During the last 10 years we performed 92 renal transplantations in our Skopje hospital (Macedonia), using 22 cadaver donors and 70 living donors. We also performed 15 explanations from cadavers and seven kidneys were allocated to former Yugoslavia. Standard surgical procedures were used for both living and cadaver donor explantations and transplantations. For living explantations, donors were matching in 66 cases (94.28%) and in four cases (5.7%) non-matching donors who however were relatives of the patient Explantations and transplantations took place only after all ethical- and legal-related problems had been solved. The minimum acceptable HLA mismatch was 50% with negative present or historical cross-match. A quadruple sequential immunosuppressive treatment was used, including either poly- or monoclonal globulins (thymoglobulin [ATG], lymphoglobulin [ALG], daclizumab, OKT-3) as an induction therapy and prednisolone, azathriopin and cyclosporin A as maintenance therapy. Rejection episodes were treated by pulse MP therapy or OKT-3 and increased doses of MMF if the patients were steroid-resistant. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that survival at 12, 36 and 60 month reached 90%, 75% and 60%, respectively. Survival was better after transplantation using a graft from a living donor than after transplantation using a graft from a cadaver donor (survival rates: 92%, 82% and 68% at 12, 36 and 60 months after surgery). Delayed graft functioning (DGF) was observed in 16 patients (17.3%), reaching 46.6% after transplantation of a graft from a cadaver donor and 10% after transplantation of a graft from a living donor. The relatively high percentage of DGF in the living donor program was due to the use of grafts from elderly donors (over 65 years of age). We registered 26 (29%) episodes of acute rejection that were predominantly histologically confirmed and further classified according to the BANFF criteria. Treatment of five steroid-resistant rejections proved to be successful. Neither early nor late surgical and medical complications were different from those reported in the literature. Despite the modest number of kidney transplantations, chronic renal failure has decreased in our region. The authors expect further improvement in this powerful therapeutic procedure thanks to links with regional and European transplant centers allowing better cooperation and organ sharing.

Introduction: The advantages of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy are now well documented. This new approach can lower donor morbidity and could stimulate living related organ donation. We described our original operative technique and report our preliminary results., Material and Methods: Since 1998, we have used the retroperitoneal laparoscopy in tree related living donors. Advantages and inconvenient of this new surgical procedure were discussed with each donors and inform consent obtained. The left kidney was harvested in the three cases., Results: The operative time was inferior to 280 minutes, warm ischemia less than five minutes and bleeding less than 150 mL. Patients were discharged between the 2nd and 3rd post-operative days., Conclusion: Retroperitoneal laparoscopy is a valuable alternative in transplant centres with skilled laparoscopic surgeons.

Despite the remarkable development of kidney transplantation techniques, surgical complications are still a very important factor affecting the final outcome of kidney transplantation. After 92 kidney transplantations (22 from cadaver donors and 70 from living donors) performed at Skopje hospital (Macedonia), we observed the following complications: nine (10%) urinary fistula, five (5%) graft ruptures, seven (8%) lymphoceles, two (2%) urinary calculosis, two (2%) intestinal perforations, four (4%) renal artery stenoses, one (1%) renal artery thrombosis, and seven (8%) early complications following surgical incision. Complications were detected by either ultrasonography, intravenous pyelography, percutaneous nephrostomy with anterograde pyelography, computerized tomography, and intravenous digital angiography. They were subsequently treated by application of modern surgical procedures: use of the ureter (termino-terminal or uretero-pyelic anastomosis) for treatment of urinary fistulas; conservative surgery using tissue glue and external compression with polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) mesh for graft ruptures; drainage and application of sclerosants under ultrasound control and intraperitoneal marsupialization for the clinically relevant lymphoceles; transluminal angioplasty with balloon dilatation in case of significant arterial stenosis; extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and surgery for urinary calculi. Intestinal perforations and problems relating to parietal tissue were quickly solved using standard surgical techniques. On total, rejection of the graft occurred in four (4%) cases following surgical complications, while one death was encountered due to septic peritonitis. We consider the percentage of surgical complications acceptable, as this work consists of a pioneering effort in this Balkan region.

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) at loci A (14 antigens) and loci B (29 antigens) were determined in 2,385 healthy Macedonians, using the microlymphocytotoxicity test. Results were compared with those obtained in Caucasians. The most common HLA antigens in the Macedonian population are: A2 (51.65%), A1 (25.87%), A3 (17.14%) and A24 (20.41%) for loci A and B51 (32.03%), B35 (23.98%), B8 (12.11%), B44 (12.11%), B7 (11.48%) and B18 (10.23%) for loci B. These frequencies are similar to those found in Caucasians. However, antigens B12, B44, B7, B8 and especially B15 are more common in Caucasians, while B51 and B35 antigens are more common in the Macedonian population. The most common haplotypes in the Macedonian population are: A2/B51 (15.68%), A2/B35 (10.35%), A2/B12 (7.79%), A9/B51 (7.50%) and A1/B8 (7.50%). The frequencies of HLA antigens were also determined in 348 patients with chronic renal disease and compared with those observed in the healthy population (2,385 subjects). No significant differences was observed between HLA frequencies depicted in patients and those described in healthy individuals. Results should therefore make easier the finding of compatible kidney transplants in the Macedonian population.

Serum from 115 HIV negative renal transplant recipients having more than 6 months follow-up was tested for the presence of mono- or oligoclonal immunoglobulins (moIg) by immunoelectrophoresis or immunofixation. Mono/oligoclonal gammapathy was detected in 16 patients (13.9%). Eight of these patients had only one monoclonal band, whereas the other eight had two or more bands. Thirteen of the 16 patients (81.3%) were IgG kappa positive, nine (56.3%) were IgG lambda positive, four (25.0%) were IgM lambda positive and only one (6.3%) was IgM kappa positive. Six monoclonal patients (37.5%) were IgG kappa positive and two monoclonal patients (12.5%) were IgG lambda positive. The oligoclonal combination IgG kappa lambda was present in three patients (18.8%), the combination IgG lambda + IgM lambda was present in two patients (12.5%) and IgG lambda + IgM lambda was present in one patient. The triple combination IgM kappa lambda + IgG kappa lambda and IgM lambda + IgG kappa lambda was found in two patients (12.5%). Ninety percent of these moIg did not exceed 2 g/L. MoIg appeared between 1 and 28 months after the kidney transplantation (mean value: 8.5 5.9 months) but were often transient, disappearing within 1 to 19 months in 13 patients (81.3%). Nine of the 16 cases (56.3%) disappeared before the end of the first year after detection. Risk factors for the appearance of these immunoglobulins have been identified as: the patient's age, the duration of haemodialysis, the occurrence of prior (anti-cytomegalovirus [CMV]) infection, and therapy with cyclosporin A (CsA). The persistence of monoclonal gammapathy was associated with acute or reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and inability to convert IgM to IgG CMV antibodies. Furthermore, no association was established with previous hepatitis B or C infection or the number of rejection episodes. Kaposi's sarcoma was found in one patient (6.3%) but had no correlation with the presence of moIg. We recommend careful follow up of renal transplant patients in whom moIg have been discovered.

Between 1977-1998 we followed up 115 patients with renal allograft. Seventy patients had received a graft from a living donor, while 45 had received a graft from a cadaver donor. The immunosuppressive therapy included azathioprin (AZA), prednisolone (PRED) and cyclosporin A (CyA) in 90 patients and AZA and PRED in 25 patients. Nine patients showed skin malignancies (7.3%), three of these patients had Kaposi's sarcoma and the other six patients squamous or basal cell carcinoma. All cases were clinically and histologically confirmed. Squamous or basal cell carcinoma occurred mostly on the head and was radiosensitive, though recurrences might be observed. Kaposi's sarcoma was localized on either the lower extremities or the face. The condition of two patients treated by radiotherapy only partially improved. Due to chronic renal allograft rejection immunosuppressive therapy was withdrawn in two patients and dialysis was restarted without any other recurrence of the sarcoma. The rate of cancer occurrence in patients with renal allograft is consistent with the findings of other authors. Reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy may have a beneficial effect on malignancy, but incurs the risk of losing the allograft.

During cadaveric organ harvesting removal of the right renal vein and a segment of the vena cava may facilitate venous anastomosis of the right kidney. The technique to obtain adequate length of the right renal vein using the vena cava is simple, physiological and effective. A segment of the inferior vena cava should be harvested with the right but not necessarily with the left kidney. The use of a long segment of vena cava makes the renal transplantation much easier and does not interfere with multiorgan procurement. The method is most useful when the right renal vein is extremely short or when the recipient has a large abdomen and a deep pelvis.

Vena cava is a providential material for the transplant surgeon. Prolongation of the right renal vein using vena cava is a simple and effective procedure. Consequently the inferior vena cava must be harvested with the right and not the left kidney for which it is unnecessary. The use of a long segment of vena cava makes the renal transplantation and easy, well-defined procedure without interfering with the requirements of multiorgan donation.

Renal-sparing treatment of spontaneous renal allograft rupture remains a surgical challenge, since profuse hemorrhage may result from these friable kidneys during surgical repair. A technique is proposed to achieve control of local bleeding with a synthetic glue (gelatin, resorcin and formaldehyde) and external compression with a polyglactin 910 absorbable mesh. We report 4 cases of spontaneous allograft rupture associated with rejection and bleeding was controlled in all 4. Three grafts were preserved with more than 1 year of followup. The other graft had to be removed for uncontrolled vascular rejection despite satisfactory control of renal fractures. Renal wrapping with external compression is proposed to improve results of conservative management of renal allograft rupture.

Background: Despite the efforts for more transplants performed with organs from deceased donors, the living renal transplantation is still the predominant transplant activity in the Balkan region. In order to adress the severe organ shortage, we started accepting unrelated (emotionally related) living donors (LURD). Here we present our 10-year experience with living unrelated renal transplantation (LURT). Methods: Twenty four LURT were performed in our center in the last 10 years. The mean recipients and donors age was 41.7 and 47.2 years, respectively. As LURD spouses (n=17) and extended family members (n=7) were accepted predominantly. All donors went through careful psychological evaluation in order to confirm emotional relationship. The final decision was taken after both the recipient and the donor signed a consent in front of a judge. A quadruple sequential immunosuppressive protocol was used in all recipients. The 5-year Kaplan Meier graft survival rate, HLA mismatch, rejection episodes, delayed graft function, serum creatinine and Glomerular filtration rate-Modification of the diet in renal disease (GFR-MDRD) were analyzed. The results were compared with 30 living related renal transplants (LRT) performed during the same time with mean recipients and donors age of 35.9 and 58.5 years, respectively. Results: The mean follow up for LURT and LRT recipients were 81.4 and 79.6 months, respectively. There was a significant difference regarding recipients and donors age, HLA mismatch (5.07 and 2.9) and rejection episodes (16% vs. 11%) in LURT and LRT recipients. The 5 years graft survival rate was excellent in both groups (83 and 81%, respectively). There was no significant difference in 5 years serum creatinine (129.3 vs 121.1 µmol/lit) and 5 years GFR-MDRD (56.6 and 58.6 ml/min). Conclusion: The authors present an excellent 5-year graft survival rate in both LURT and LRT recipients. Therefore, LURT could ameliorate the severe organ shortage in the region and could be recommended as a valuable source of organs in the countries with developed and underdeveloped deceased donor donation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]