Purpose: We evaluated the outcome of transplantation into a long-term defunctionalized bladder.
Materials and methods: Since 1985 we performed transplantation in 5 dialysis dependent patients after excision of the ileal conduit and native kidneys. The bladder was evaluated before transplantation with cystoscopy, voiding cystography, urodynamics and demonstration of continence. Bladder rehabilitation was accomplished by cycling through a suprapubic tube or urethral catheter, and no bladder augmentation was done. All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis for several years.
Results: Five male recipients underwent transplantation at ages 22, 29, 30, 31 and 55 years, and they had had a defunctionalized bladder for 15, 17, 23, 25 and 26 years. All patients were alive with a functioning allograft at 6, 84, 90, 112 and 120 months after transplantation. Current serum creatinine values are 1.2, 1.6, 1.8, 2.3 and 2.5 mg./dl. Median urodynamic values before and after transplantation were bladder capacity 60 and 300 cc, respectively, peak flow rate 5 and 18 cc per second, respectively, and post-void residual 20 and 15 cc, respectively. One patient required self-catheterization.
Conclusions: Renal transplantation into a long-term defunctionalized bladder can be performed safely in carefully selected patients. Bladder function and continence should be confirmed before transplantation using a program of progressive bladder rehabilitation.