Extravesical ureteroneocystostomy to reestablish urinary tract continuity in renal transplantation has been examined through a meta-analysis of more than 14,000 kidney transplants leading to the finding that stented anastomosis was associated with a lower urologic complication rate compared with nonstented anastomoses. Fourteen stents must be used to prevent one urologic complication. We now report the urologic complication rate in our case series in which a stented Lich-Gregoir anastomosis was routinely utilized. We present a cost-effectiveness analysis regarding the usage of ureteral stents.
Methods: The records of 395 consecutive renal transplants were reviewed. Minimum follow-up time was 6 months. The standard anastomosis was a Lich-Gregoir with a 6- or 8-F 12- or 14-cm J-J stent. Monitored urologic complications included postoperative vesicoureteral leak or ureteral necrosis, obstruction or stricture, or clinically significant hematuria. Charges in 2004 US dollars were reported by the hospital accounting office.
Results: Four urologic complications were noted-three leaks and one stricture (complication rate of 1.0%). There were no stent-related complications requiring reoperation. There were no cases in which the urologic complication led to graft loss or patient death. Total charges associated with stent use were $1,087 per patient, or $15,218 per urologic complication prevented.
Conclusions: The urologic complication rate in this case series is similar to the five previously published randomized trials, as well as our previously published meta-analysis. These results support the routine use of a ureteral stent. Our analysis suggests that stent use is cost effective.