Endoscopic Treatment for Post-Transplant Vesicoureteral Reflux

Current management of symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in pediatric kidney transplantation-A European survey among surgical transplant professionals

BACKGROUND

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is common in children and adolescents undergoing kidney transplantation (KTx) and may adversely affect allograft kidney function.

METHODS

To explore the current management of symptomatic native and allograft VUR in pediatric KTx recipients, an online survey was distributed to European surgical transplant professionals.

RESULTS

Surgeons from 40 pediatric KTx centers in 18 countries participated in this survey. Symptomatic native kidney VUR was treated before or during KTx by 68% of the centers (all/selected patients: 33%/67%; before/during KTx: 89%/11%), with a preference for endoscopic treatment (59%). At KTx, 90% favored an anti-reflux ureteral reimplantation procedure (extravesical/transvesical approach: 92%/8%; preferred extravesical technique: Lich-Gregoir [85%]). Management strategies for symptomatic allograft VUR included surgical repair (90%), continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (51%), bladder training (49%), or noninterventional surveillance (21%). Redo ureteral implantation and endoscopic intervention for allograft VUR were equally reported (51%/49%).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey shows uniformity in some surgical aspects of the pediatric KTx procedure. However, with regard to VUR, there is a significant variation in practice patterns that need to be addressed by future well-designed and prospective studies. In this way, more robust data could be translated into consensus guidelines for a more standardized and evidence-based management of this common condition in pediatric KTx.

Children Are Not Small Adults: Similarities and Differences in Renal Transplantation Between Adults and Pediatrics

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for all patients with end-stage kidney disease, including pediatric patients. Graft survival in pediatrics was lagging behind adults, but now is comparable with the adult cohort. Although many of the protocols have been adopted from adults, there are issues unique to pediatrics that one should be aware of to take care of this population. These issues include recipient size consideration, increased incidence of viral infections, problems related to growth, common occurrence of underlying urological issues, and psychosocial issues. This article addresses the similarities and differences in renal transplantation, from preparing a patient for transplant, the transplant process, to post-transplant complications.

Long-term results of endoscopic treatment in vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplantation

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.

Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid/Dextranomer Gel (NASHA/Dx, Deflux) for Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux: What Have We Learned Over the Last 20 Years?

Non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid/dextranomer gel (Deflux; NASHA/Dx) was developed as a treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in the 1990s. To mark 20 years since the US approval of this agent, we reviewed its properties, best practice for application, and the available clinical safety and efficacy data. Long-term or randomized, controlled studies of treatment with NASHA/Dx have reported VUR resolution rates of 59%-100% with low rates of febrile urinary tract infection post-treatment (4%-25%), indicating long-term protection of the kidneys. An individualized approach VUR management is advocated, and NASHA/Dx is a viable option for many patients requiring intervention.

Management of Vesicoureteral Reflux: What Have We Learned Over the Last 20 Years?

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is associated with increased risks of urinary tract infection, renal scarring and reflux nephropathy. We review advancements over the last two decades in our understanding and management of VUR. Over time, the condition may resolve spontaneously but it can persist for many years and bladder/bowel dysfunction is often involved. Some factors that increase the likelihood of persistence (e.g., high grade) also increase the risk of renal scarring. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is generally considered the definitive method for diagnosing VUR, and helpful in determining the need for treatment. However, this procedure causes distress and radiation exposure. Therefore, strategies to reduce clinicians' reliance upon VCUG (e.g., after a VUR treatment procedure) have been developed. There are several options for managing patients with VUR. Observation is suitable only for patients at low risk of renal injury. Antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the incidence of UTIs, but drawbacks such as antibiotic resistance and incomplete adherence mean that this option is not viable for long-term use. Long-term studies of endoscopic injection have helped us understand factors influencing use and the effectiveness of this procedure. Ureteral reimplantation is still performed commonly, and robot-assisted laparoscopic methods are gaining popularity. Over the last 20 years, there has been a shift toward more conservative management of VUR with an individualized, risk-based approach. For continued treatment improvement, better identification of children at risk of renal scarring, robust evidence regarding the available interventions, and an improved VUR grading system are needed.

The Efficiency and Safety of Endoscopic Treatment on Kidney-Transplanted Patients With Symptomatic Vesicoureteral Reflux in Native and Transplanted Renal Units

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic treatment of symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in patients with VUR in both transplanted and native renal units.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and December 2019, 23 transplanted patients with symptomatic VUR with reflux in both transplanted and native kidney were included in the study. All patients were patients with a history of kidney failure due to reflux nephropathy. A voiding cystourethrography was performed after at least 1 episode of acute glomerulo pyelonephritis or deterioration of the graft function. All patients underwent a urine culture and an ultrasonic evaluation preoperatively. A dextranomer/hyaluronic acid bulking agent was injected via endoscope by a rigid metal needle around a double J stent. Clinical success was defined as absent of febrile urinary tract infection during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

The procedure was applied in 52 effected renal units; of these, 27 were transplanted kidneys, and 25 were native kidneys. Overall clinical success was achieved in 69.6% (N = 16) of patients. The success rate after the first procedure was 52.2% (N = 12), whereas 17.3% (N = 4) achieved success after the second treatment. No intraoperative complications occurred throughout the endoscopic procedure. Minor postoperative complications included 2 (10%) cases of self-limiting episodes of hematuria that did not require intervention.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic VUR for both transplanted ureter and native ureter is a safe treatment in most of the patients. Therefore, endoscopic ureteral injection is a treatment modality with low morbidity that should be preferred to open surgery as first-line treatment in this subgroup of patients.

Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic VUR disease after the renal transplantation: analysis of 49 cases

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic treatment for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) disease in renal transplantation patients and to determine the factors that were associated with the success rate of the treatment.

METHODS

A total of 121 symptomatic VUR diseases diagnosed between 2014 and 2018 in 3560 renal transplant patients. The results of 49 VUR cases that presented with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) and were hospitalized for antibiotic treatment were included in the study. Reflux was detected by voiding cystourethrogram and treatment was performed by endoscopic Deflux® injection. The result of endoscopic treatment was evaluated clinically by 3 months periods.

RESULTS

The mean time between transplantation and endoscopic treatment was 59.6 (5-132) months, and the mean follow-up period after the endoscopic treatment was 14 (6-48) months, respectively. The success rate after the first injection was 59.1% (n = 29) and 67.3% (n = 33) after the second injection. One patient developed anuria, one patient febrile UTI and four patients developed minimal macroscopic hematuria after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic VUR in transplanted kidney is a safe and feasible procedure. The amount of bulking agent or duration between the transplantation and diagnosis of VUR does not have any impact on the success of the treatment. However, the younger age of the patients and the female gender seem to have a positive effect on the outcome of the procedure.

Efficiency and Safety of the Sting Operation on Kidney Transplanted Patients with Symptomatic Vesicoureteral Reflux and Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

PURPOSE

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the endoscopic treatment in transplanted patients with neurogenic bladder who complained of symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with VUR who were previously diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder were included in the study. The Lich-Gregoire technique was used for ureterovesical anastomosis during transplantation, and a double J stent was inserted routinely in the ureter to protect the anastomosis. The sting operation was performed under general anesthesia in the lithotomy position. A 4.8 Fr double J stent (Boston Scientific, Boston, MA) was inserted to prevent the risk of ureteral obstruction. Successful treatment was defined as absent acute glomerulopyelonephritis (AGPN) during follow-up and as absent VUR on radiological evaluation.

RESULTS

Clinical success was achieved in 6 of 10 patients (60%) who presented with recurrent febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) and in 4 of 6 (66%) patients who presented with gradually graft function deterioration. In 3 patients, the ureteral neo-orifice could not be localized during the operation owing to severe trabeculation of the bladder wall. The other 2 patients with a previous history of augmented bladder procedures had a hypotension attack during bladder filling; hence, the operation was stopped to prevent further complications. Two patients, whose clinical symptoms did not resolve after the sting procedure, accepted open ureteral reimplantation surgery.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of the VUR in the transplant patients with neurogenic bladder function is safe and effective in at least half of the patients in a mid-term follow-up period.