Management of deceased and living kidney donor with lithiasis: a multicenter retrospective study on behalf of the renal transplant group of the Spanish urological association

Abstract

Background: To maximize the availability of suitable grafts and ensure effective management, several reports have demonstrated successful outcomes when using kidney grafts with urolithiasis. This multicenter study reports on the management and long-term outcomes of kidney transplantation using renal grafts with lithiasis.

Methods: Retrospective data from three Spanish hospitals were analyzed for kidney transplants involving grafts with nephrolithiasis performed between December 2009 and August 2023. The study included adult patients, excluding those with incomplete records. It evaluated stone characteristics, complications, and outcomes in recipients and in living kidney donors.

Results: Out of 38 analyzed kidney transplants, 57.9% were cadaveric and 42.1% were from living kidney donors. Most diagnoses were incidental during donor evaluation, with an average stone size of 7.06 mm. After follow-up (median 26 months), all recipients but one had functioning grafts, and there were no stone recurrences in both recipients and living kidney donors. Conservative management was adopted in 28 cases, while 10 cases required ex-vivo flexible ureterorenoscopy for stone removal. Following conservative management, 5 patients needed additional treatments for stone-related events.

Conclusions: Kidneys with lithiasis can be considered for transplantation in selected cases, resulting in good functional outcomes with no stone recurrence in recipients or living donors.

Keywords: Back table endoscopy; Conservative treatment; Flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS); Kidney transplant; Urolithiasis.