Four-point injection technique of polyacrylate/polyalcohol copolymer in vesicoureteral reflux after kidneytransplant

Abstract

Objectives: Vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant is mostly asymptomatic, but recurrent urinary tract infections can cause graft rejection. Although the gold standard treatment is open surgical repair, we believe that endoscopic treatment can be further improved. Here, we investigated the long-term outcomes of 4-point endoscopic injection of polyacrylate/polyalcohol copolymer in patients with vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant. Materials and Methods: Patients who had undergone 4-point endoscopic injection of polyacrylate/polyalcohol copolymer for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant and were followed for at least 3 years were included. Patients with dysfunctional and/or obstructive voiding patterns, unsuccessful primary endoscopic treatment, concomitant injection of native kidney reflux, and incomplete follow-up were excluded. We evaluated patient characteristics, perioperative data, and clinical and radiological outcomes. Urine culture, serum creatinine, and renal ultrasonography were assessed every 3 months. Voiding cystourethrography was performed at month 3 and when recurrence was suspected. Clinical success was defined as absence of febrile urinary tract infection during follow-up, and radiological success was defined as absence of vesicoureteral reflux in the voiding cystourethrography. Results: Of 21 study patients, 14 (66.6%) were female and 7 (33.3%) were male patients. Average age was 37.1 years (range, 12-62 years). According to preoperative voiding cystourethrography, 3 patients (14.2%) had grade II, 13 patients (61.9%) had grade III, and 5 patients (23.8%) had grade IV vesicoureteral reflux. Eighteen patients (85.7%) had clinical success with the first injection, and 20 patients (95.2%) had success with the second injection. Eleven patients (52.3%) demonstrated radiological success. The reflux degree of all patients, except 2, had partially or completely regressed. Ureteral balloon dilatation and double J stent implantation was performed in 1 patient (4.7%) due to ureteral obstruction. Conclusions: The 4-point injection of polyacrylate/-polyalcohol copolymer provided long-term per-manent success for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux after kidney transplant. © Başkent University 2023 Printed in Turkey. All Rights Reserved.