Salvage of Difficult Transplant Urinary Fistulae by Ileal Substitution of the Ureter

We report our experience with 4 cases of ileal substitution of the ureter after live-donor kidney transplantation and review the literature. The indications were recurrent ureteric fistula and obstruction in 3 cases and extensive necrosis of the ureter and renal pelvis in one case. Nephrostomy tube drainage was a useful adjunct to diagnosis and treatment of the 4 cases. No mortalities or graft losses were encountered and satisfactory graft function was maintained 2-14 years after ileal substitution of the ureter. Moreover, no electrolyte or acid-base disturbances were observed. One patient developed recurrent vesical stones 2 and 4 years after ileoureteral replacement secondary to bladder neck obstruction. Ileal substitution of the ureter seems a feasible operation to salvage difficult and recurrent transplant urinary fistulae in exceptional situations when it is impossible to restore urinary continuity using urinary tract tissues.