Concomitant nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys and renal transplantation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Native nephrectomy in polycystic kidney disease patients on transplant lists: how and when?

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common hereditary kidney disease, accounts for approximately 10% of the patients on kidney transplantation waitlists. High rates of complications including hemorrhage, infections, nephrolithiasis and kidney size-related compressive complaints have been reported among ADPKD patients. Therefore, the need for routine native nephrectomy and timing of such procedure in ADPKD patients being prepared for transplantation are debated. Even though pre-transplant nephrectomy has the potential to provide fewer infectious complications due to lack of immunosuppressive medication use, such procedure has been associated with longer hospital stay, loss of residual kidney function and need for dialysis. Although simultaneous nephrectomy and transplantation could potentially lead to longer perioperative duration, perioperative complications and need for blood transfusions, this was not confirmed in cohort studies. Therefore, some institutions routinely perform simultaneous unilateral nephrectomy and kidney transplantation. In this narrative review, our aim is to evaluate the current evidence regarding the need and timing of nephrectomy in ADPKD patients in relation to kidney transplantation.

Native nephrectomy and arterial embolization of native kidney in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients: indications, timing and postoperative outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common causes of a need of renal replacement therapy. The need (elective vs. systematic) and timing of native kidney nephrectomy (before, after or during kidney transplantation) is a matter of debate and alternatives to surgery, mainly transcatheter arterial embolization have been explored. We performed a systematic review to report all available evidence on postintervention outcomes of native nephrectomy and arterial embolization in ADPKD patients.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A search on Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify all studies reporting outcomes of native nephrectomy or arterial embolization in APKDs.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Concerning native nephrectomy, a total of 3626 patients in 37 studies were included with 735, 210 and 2681 patients who underwent native nephrectomy respectively before, after or during kidney transplantation. Major complications were 12.2% in unilateral nephrectomy before transplantation, 25.0% in bilateral nephrectomy before transplantation, 17.7% in unilateral nephrectomy during transplantation, 20.8% in bilateral nephrectomy during transplantation and 23.8% in unilateral and bilateral nephrectomy after transplantation. A total of 230 patients in 7 series of arterial embolization were included. All arterial embolization were performed before transplantation. Mean volume reduction ranged from 36.3% at 3 months to 49% at 6 months. The major postintervention complication rate was 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral native nephrectomy before kidney transplantation was associated with the lowest major postoperative complication rate and appears to be the preferred strategy. Arterial embolization reduces kidney volume by 49% at 6 months. Arterial embolization could be considered when the reduction in size of the native kidney is not urgent.

Staged versus concurrent native nephrectomy and renal transplantation in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) frequently undergo native nephrectomy before transplantation. The nephrectomy may be a staged procedure or undertaken simultaneously with transplantation. When performed simultaneously, the transplant procedure is more prolonged, involves a larger operative field and incision. There is also a concern of a greater risk of graft loss with simultaneous nephrectomy and transplantation. Moreover, staged surgery may allow nephrectomy to be performed before immunosuppression introduction via a smaller incision or involving a minimally invasive approach. However, staged nephrectomy may require a period of dialysis not otherwise necessary if a transplant and nephrectomy were simultaneous. Moreover, only a single procedure is needed, implying the avoidance of a prior nephrectomy and its attendant morbidity in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency. To account for these issues, this study aims to compare the cumulative morbidity of two-staged procedures versus a single simultaneous approach in term of morbidity and graft outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to systematically review the literature to determine whether a staged or simultaneous approach to native nephrectomy in ADPKD is the optimal approach in terms of morbidity and graft outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted to identify published systematic reviews, randomized control trials, case-controlled studies and case studies. Data comparing outcomes of staged and simultaneous nephrectomy for patients undergoing kidney transplantation was extracted and analyzed. The main outcomes analyzed were length of hospitalization, blood loss, operative time, other early postoperative complications and risk of graft thrombosis. Meta-analysis was conducted where appropriate.

RESULTS

Seven retrospective cohort studies were included in the review. There was a total of 385 patients included in the analysis, of whom 273 patients underwent simultaneous native nephrectomy and kidney transplantation. Meta-analysis showed an increased cumulative operative time in staged procedures (RR 1.86；95% CI 0.43-3.29 p = 0.01) and increased risk of blood transfusions (RR 2.69; 95% CI 1.92-3.46 p < 0.00001). For the transplant procedure, there were no significant difference in the length of stay (RR 1.03; 95% CI -2.01-4.14 p = 0.52), major postoperative complications (RR 0.02; 95% CI -0.15-0.10 p = 0.74) and vascular thromboses (RR 1.42 95% CI 0.23-8.59 p = 0.7).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that staged nephrectomy followed by kidney transplantation is associated with a longer cumulative operative time and increased cumulative risk of blood transfusions. There is no evidence to suggest that performing a simultaneous nephrectomy and kidney transplant procedure increases the perioperative mortality rate, major postoperative complication rates or risk of vascular thrombosis.

Technical Challenges and Innovations in Kidney Transplantation: Experience With Over 5000 Cases

Kidney transplant has been the standard-of-care treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease for many years. To expand the acceptance and care of complicated situations in patients with end-stage renal disease, transplant teams should be ready to find innovative solutions to prevent and manage pretransplant, intraoperative, and posttransplant problems. In this report, we present our approach for the following scenarios: transplant in patients with urinary diversion and augmentation, polycystic disease in recipients, tumors in transplanted kidney and native kidneys, and the roles of laparoscopy and mini-laparoscopy in kidney transplant.

Outcome of Kidney Transplant in Patients with Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Single-Center Study in Tunisia

OBJECTIVES

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a common cause of end-stage renal disease and a common indication for renal transplant. This study was undertaken to evaluate the demographics, outcomes, and complications of renal transplant in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease compared with other nephropathies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective case-control design, we reviewed the records of 7 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease from a total of 701 renal transplant patients over a 30-year period (1986-2016). For each patient, a matched control was selected based on sex, age, year of transplant, and type of kidney donor. We excluded patients who underwent kidney transplant abroad and those with a follow-up period of less than 2 years.

RESULTS

The number of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease requiring transplant at our center was estimated at 0.23 per year, and the condition represented 1.57% of initial nephropathy causes. The mean patient age at transplant was 50.8 ± 8.05 years. There were 5 male and 2 female patients in the case group, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5. The source of the graft was predominantly a living related donor (5/7). Four patients had extrarenal manifestations, the most common of which were liver cysts (3 patients). Rejection occurred in a single study patient (14.2%) and in 4 control patients (57.1%; P = .51). Two patients did not develop any complications. Complications noted after transplant included infection (3/7 cases vs 2/7 controls; P= .67) and cerebrovascular accidents (2/7 cases vs 0/7 controls).

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies with longer follow-up and greater numbers of patients are needed to compare more precisely the complications and results of transplant between patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and other kidney transplant recipients.

Pre-transplant treatment of large polycystic kidney

AIM: To evaluate the indications, optimal timing and outcomes of native nephrectomy and other techniques in pretransplant treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Epistemonikos databases. Keywords for pre-transplant surgical management of polycystic kidneys were: Transplant, treatment and PKD. Keywords for pre-treatment embolization of PKD were: Embolization, transplant and polycystic kidney disease. The inclusion criterions were all articles found using this search method. The exclusion criterions were articles found to include bias and not attending pre-transplant treatment options. Fifteen articles were included in our final analysis. Ten articles were found regarding embolization of PKD of which three reviews were selected for final analysis. The reviews were divided into pre transplant and intra transplant treatment for the surgical treatment of PKD. All articles meeting inclusion criteria were thoroughly analyzed by two independent reviewers. A third independent reviewer was consulted if the reviewers did not agree upon the inclusion or exclusion of a specific article. No statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Studies vary regarding the technique used (open or laparoscopic), laterality (single or bilateral) and temporality of nephrectomy with respect to renal transplant (pre-transplant or simultaneous to transplant). Several groups argue in favor of simultaneous nephrectomy and kidney transplant since it avoids the deleterious effects of being anefric. Long-term results and patient satisfaction are acceptable. However, it is associated with increased operative time, transfusion rate, morbidity and length of hospital stay. Based on small sample studies, bilateral nephrectomy prior to transplant has been associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Studies on laparoscopic approach report it as a feasible and safe alternative to the open surgery approach, highlighting its lower complication rate, transfusions and shorter hospital stay. Arterial embolization of the kidney appears as an effective and low morbid alternative for the management of large native kidneys. The reduction in renal size allow transplant in a significant number of patients, which makes it an appealing alternative to surgery.

CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence regarding best pretrasnplant treatment of large PKD but to date embolization seems an appealing alternative to augment space for renal graft allocation.

Current management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most frequent cause of genetic renal disease affecting approximately 4 to 7 million individuals worldwide and accounting for 7%-15% of patients on renal replacement therapy, is a systemic disorder mainly involving the kidney but cysts can also occur in other organs such as the liver, pancreas, arachnoid membrane and seminal vesicles. Though computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were similar in evaluating 81% of cystic lesions of the kidney, MRI may depict septa, wall thickening or enhancement leading to upgrade in cyst classification that can affect management. A screening strategy for intracranial aneurysms would provide 1.0 additional year of life without neurological disability to a 20-year-old patient with ADPKD and reduce the financial impact on society of the disease. Current treatment strategies include reducing: cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, cell proliferation and fluid secretion. Several randomised clinical trials (RCT) including mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, somatostatin analogues and a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist have been performed to study the effect of diverse drugs on growth of renal and hepatic cysts, and on deterioration of renal function. Prophylactic native nephrectomy is indicated in patients with a history of cyst infection or recurrent haemorrhage or to those in whom space must be made to implant the graft. The absence of large RCT on various aspects of the disease and its treatment leaves considerable uncertainty and ambiguity in many aspects of ADPKD patient care as it relates to end stage renal disease (ESRD). The outlook of patients with ADPKD is improving and is in fact much better than that for patients in ESRD due to other causes. This review highlights the need for well-structured RCTs as a first step towards trying newer interventions so as to develop updated clinical management guidelines.

Native Nephrectomy with Renal Transplantation is Associated with a Decrease in Hypertension Medication Requirements for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

PURPOSE

We assessed hypertensive control after native nephrectomy and renal transplantation in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood pressure control was studied retrospectively in 118 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who underwent renal transplantation between 2003 and 2013. Overall 54 patients underwent transplantation alone (group 1) and 64 underwent transplantation with concurrent ipsilateral nephrectomy (group 2). Of these 64 patients 32 underwent ipsilateral nephrectomy only (group 2a) and 32 underwent eventual delayed contralateral native nephrectomy (group 2b). The number of antihypertensive drugs and defined daily dose of each antihypertensive was recorded at transplantation and up to 36-month followup.

RESULTS

Comparing preoperative to postoperative medications at 12, 24 and 36-month followup, transplantation with concurrent ipsilateral nephrectomy had a greater decrease in quantity (-1.2 vs -0.5 medications, p=0.008; -1.1 vs -0.3, p=0.007 and -1.2 vs -0.4, p=0.03, respectively) and defined daily dose of antihypertensive drug (-3.3 vs -1.0, p=0.0008; -2.9 vs -1.0, p=0.006 and -2.7 vs -0.6, p=0.007, respectively) than transplantation alone at each point. Native nephrectomy continued to be a predictor of hypertensive requirements on multivariable analysis (p <0.0001). The mean decrease in number of medications in group 2b from after ipsilateral nephrectomy to 12 months after contralateral nephrectomy was -0.6 (p=0.0005) and the mean decrease in defined daily dose was -0.6 (p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease undergoing renal transplantation, concurrent ipsilateral native nephrectomy is associated with a significant decrease in the quantity and defined daily dose of antihypertensive drugs needed for hypertension control. Delayed contralateral native nephrectomy is associated with improved control of blood pressure to an even greater degree.

Which Stage of ADPKD Is More Appropriate for Decortication? A Retrospective Study of 137 Patients from a Single Clinic

OBJECTIVE

To study retrospectively the efficacy of decortication in patients with different stages of ADPKD and to determine which stage for decortication is more appropriate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 137 patients with ADPKD from 2001 to 2010. All patients were divided into three stages. A total of 70 patients underwent decortication, and we studied intraoperative indicators and postoperative indicators at 1 and 3 years follow-up.

RESULTS

In 70 patients who underwent decortication, significant differences were observed in operative duration and bleeding volume between patients with stage I and II ADPKD (P<0.05), but no significant differences were observed in intestinal recovery time, pain medication dose, and the days of postoperative hospitalization (P > 0.05). The total complication occurrence rate was significantly different between them (P < 0.05). The serum creatinine (Scr) levels in patients with stage I ADPKD were within normal limits 1 and 3 years postoperatively and did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Scr levels were significantly decreased in patients with stage II ADPKD in the 1st postoperative year (P < 0.05), but these were not significant differences in the 3rd postoperative year (P > 0.05). In the 1st postoperative year, VAS value, blood pressure and renal volume significantly differed (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed 3 years later (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Decortication in patients with stage I ADPKD can alleviate back pain symptoms and decrease blood pressure within 1 year, but the long-term efficacy is not ideal. Scr levels can be maintained within normal limits, suggesting that decortication does not lead to deterioration of renal function. For patients with stage II ADPKD, decortication can significantly improve renal function over the short term. However, after 3 years, renal function returns to the preoperative level, and surgical difficulties and complications also increase.

Trends in the management and outcomes of kidney transplantation for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Background. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic disorder leading to end-stage renal failure. The objective of this study was to evaluate a longitudinal experience of kidney transplantation for ADPKD. Methods. A single center retrospective review of patients undergoing kidney transplantation was conducted, with comparisons across two time periods: early (02/2000–04/2007, n = 66) and late (04/2007–08/2012, n = 67). Results. Over the 13.5-year study period, 133 patients underwent transplantation for ADPKD. Overall, no significant difference between the early and late group with regard to intraoperative complications, need for reoperation, readmissions within 30 days, delayed graft function, and mortality was noted. There was a trend towards increase in one-year graft survival (early 93.1% versus late 100%, P = 0.05). In the early group, 67% of recipients had undergone aneurysm screening, compared to 91% of recipients in the late group (P < 0.001). Conclusions. This study demonstrates consistent clinical care with a trend towards improved rates of one-year graft survival. Interestingly, we also note a significantly higher use of cerebral imaging over time, with the majority that were detected requiring surgical intervention which may justify the current practice of nonselective radiological screening until improved screening criteria are developed.

Simultaneous kidney transplantation and bilateral native nephrectomy for polycystic kidney disease

PURPOSE

Bilateral native nephrectomy with simultaneous kidney transplantation is becoming more common for patients with polycystic kidney disease in the living donor nephrectomy era. Single center reports evaluating the short-term and long-term outcomes of simultaneous kidney transplantation have been published but are generally limited by small sample sizes. We examined population level data to broadly define the complications of simultaneous kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to acquire data on 2,368 patients with polycystic kidney disease treated with bilateral native nephrectomy between 1998 and 2010. We performed unadjusted, multivariable and propensity score adjusted analyses of postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 2,368 patients were included in this study. The 271 patients (11.4%) who underwent simultaneous kidney transplantation had higher rates of intraoperative hemorrhage, blood transfusion and urological complications (propensity score adjusted OR 3.3, p=0.01, OR 4.2, p<0.0001 and OR 5.5, p<0.0001, respectively) but a lower in-hospital mortality rate (15.8% vs 1.1%, propensity score adjusted OR 0.10, p<0.0001). Median hospitalization was also significantly higher in patients who underwent simultaneous kidney transplantation (6 vs 9 days, p<0.0001). For the top quartile of high volume hospitals the rates of intraoperative hemorrhage, blood transfusion and urological complications remained statistically higher in patients treated with simultaneous kidney transplantation but in-hospital mortality was similar on multivariable logistic regression (OR 0.2, p=0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Except for increased rates of intraoperative hemorrhage, blood transfusion and urological complications there were no significant differences in postoperative adverse outcomes in this large, population based study of patients who underwent simultaneous kidney transplantation compared to bilateral native nephrectomy alone.

Kidney transplantation with and without simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy in patients with polycystic kidney disease: a comparative retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) often need to undergo native nephrectomy and are candidates for kidney transplantation. The necessity and timing of nephrectomy are controversial. Some authors recommend simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy (SBN) as the preferred option in living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). These recommendations are based on small study populations. We therefore set out to study outcomes of LDKT with SBN, compared with LDKT alone in a larger single-center cohort.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 159 patients with ADPKD undergoing LDKT were included in the study. Of the 159 patients, 2 were excluded because of missing data, 79 underwent LDKT alone (group A), and 78 underwent LDKT with SBN (group B). Demographic data and intraoperative and postoperative data were collected from patient charts and the national kidney registry.

RESULTS

There were no differences regarding background data. Group B experienced significantly longer operating times (183.7 vs. 319.3 min, P<0.001), a greater need for blood transfusions (0.1 vs. 1.6 units, P<0.001) and plasma products (35.1 vs. 438.3 mL, P<0.001), and longer hospital stays (11.8 vs. 15.4 days, P<0.001). It also experienced more intraoperative events and postoperative complications but fewer reoperations/reinterventions. There were no differences in patient and graft survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

SBN in patients undergoing LDKT for ADPKD does not have a significant negative impact on patient and graft survival rates. It obviates a separate surgical procedure but requires longer hospital stay. It may be associated with more postoperative complications and risk of graft loss. These considerations should be communicated to the recipient and the donor.

One hundred consecutive kidney transplantations with simultaneous ipsilateral nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

PURPOSE

Surgical management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in patients awaiting renal transplantation is a challenging task.

METHODS

From 1998 to 2009, a total of 100 consecutive renal transplantations with simultaneous unilateral nephrectomy were performed in 59 men and 41 women with ADPKD and end-stage renal failure. About 38% received kidney allografts from living donors. The ipsilateral polycystic kidney was removed at the time of renal transplantation. Immunosuppressive therapy was not modified. Cold ischaemia time was 155 (38-204 min) versus 910 min (95-2760 min) for living versus deceased donor transplantation. Mean weight of removed kidneys was 2002 g (414-8850 g). Mean follow-up was 3.0 years (0.8-10.0 years).

RESULTS

Overall patient and graft survival were 97 and 96% at 1 year and 93 and 80% at 5 years, respectively. Serum creatinine at current follow-up was 1.49 (0.8-2.8) mg/dL. Surgical complications, which might be associated with simultaneous nephrectomy requiring re-operation, occurred in 12% (lymphocele 4%, hernia 4%, post-operative haematoma or bleeding 4%). None of the patients died peri-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Renal transplantation with simultaneous unilateral nephrectomy in ADPKD is a reasonable procedure for patients suffering from massively enlarged native kidneys.

Incidental renal cell carcinoma presenting in a renal transplant recipient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a case report

Introduction

We report an instructive case of incidental renal cell carcinoma in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who underwent simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy and living donor renal transplantation.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old Asian man with end-stage kidney disease due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease received a living kidney graft from his brother. Because of recurrent infection, chronic pain and enlarged kidneys, he underwent a bilateral nephrectomy with concomitant renal transplantation. The total weight of the removed kidneys was 6kg; the maximal diameter of the larger kidney was 28cm. His left kidney had a 1cm diameter tumor. Pathology indicated papillary renal cell carcinoma. At the time of this report, the transplant kidney function was normal with no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Conclusion

This case shows and reinforces the importance of considering the possibility of an occult malignancy in the native kidneys of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy should be considered in these renal transplant recipients not only for preventing the development of adverse symptoms but also for detecting an occult malignancy.

Simultaneous renal transplantation and native nephrectomy in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

Our objective was to study the influence on transplant outcome of unilateral native nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys at the time of renal transplantation among patients with end-stage renal disease owing to autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 159 renal transplants in patients with ADPKD divided into two groups according to the need to perform a unilateral native nephrectomy owing to enlarged kidneys (N+; n = 143) versus those not (N0; n = 16) needing this procedure. Parameters related to the donors, grafts, recipients, and operative data were correlated with short- and long-term outcomes. The groups were homogeneous in terms of recipient and donor ages, genders, HLA compatibilities, and length of pretransplant dialysis.

RESULTS

When no nephrectomy was needed surgery length was shorter (N0, 3.01 vs. N+, 4.23 hours; P < .001), less intraoperative crystalloids were infused (N0, 1.84 vs. N+, 2.76 L; P < .001), and less plasma (N0, 2.07 vs. N+, 2.93 U; P < .05), or blood (N0, 1.05 vs. N+, 1.81 U; P < .05) transfusions were required. Hospital stay was similar (N0, 12.70 vs N+, 16.50 days; P not significant [NS]). There was only one urologic complication in the nephrectomy group. There were no differences (P = NS) in rates of delayed graft function (N0, 19.9%; N+, 12.5%), acute rejections (N0, 25.5%; N0, 33.3%), chronic allograft dysfunction (N0, 15.8%; N+, 28.6%). Graft function at 1 month as well as 1 and 5 years were comparable. Patient and graft survivals were similar at 1 and 5 years. There were no differences in the causes of graft loss or patient death.

CONCLUSION

In patients with ADPKD native nephrectomy of massively enlarged kidneys may be safely performed during the transplant procedure with no repercussions on the length of hospital stay, graft short- and long-term function and patient survival. However the procedure eads to a longer operative time and greater need for fluids and blood products.

Selective, concurrent bilateral nephrectomies at renal transplantation for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

PURPOSE

An algorithm was developed for performing bilateral nephrectomies for specific indications before or at renal transplantation in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Outcomes for the living donor arm of the algorithm are reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and end stage renal disease were evaluated for transplantation. Patients with recurrent pyelonephritis, hemorrhage, pain, early satiety or kidneys that extended into the true pelvis underwent bilateral nephrectomies. Bilateral nephrectomies with concurrent renal transplantation were performed if a living renal donor was identified. If no living donor was identified, pre-transplantation bilateral nephrectomies were done and the patients were listed for cadaveric donor renal transplantation. The living renal donor arm of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing certain parameters for 15 and 17 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who underwent pre-transplantation and concurrent bilateral nephrectomies, respectively, including patient and graft survival, delayed graft function, graft function, length of stay for each surgery, transfusions and complications.

RESULTS

No deaths, graft failures or delayed graft function occurred. In the delayed renal transplant group median time from nephrectomy to living donor transplantation was 124 days. Serum creatinine at discharge home and 1 year after transplantation for the pre-transplantation nephrectomy cohort was 2.0 and 1.3 mg/dl, respectively. Seven of the 17 patients with concurrent nephrectomy underwent transplantation before starting renal replacement therapy. A longer mean total hospital stay in the pre-transplantation nephrectomy cohort was the only statistically significance outcome variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective bilateral nephrectomies at living donor renal transplantation results in decreased total length of stay without compromising patient or graft outcomes and it allows preemptive renal transplantation. Concurrent nephrectomy is safe and it further validates the algorithm for selective, concurrent bilateral nephrectomies for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who undergo living donor renal transplantation.