Introduction: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disease that leads to chronic renal failure in about half of patients. It is a multisystemic disease with a predominance of kidney involvement, which significantly worsens the patient's health. Controversial issues include the indication and the timing and technique of nephrectomy of native polycystic kidneys.
Methods: A retrospective observational study focused on the surgical aspects of patients with ADPKD who underwent native nephrectomy at our institution. The group included patients operated on in the period 1/1/2000-31/12/2020. A total of 115 patients with ADPKD were enrolled (14.7% of all transplant recipients). We evaluated the basic demographic data, type of surgery, indications and complications in this group.
Results: Native nephrectomy was performed in 68 out of a total of 115 (59%) patients. Unilateral nephrectomy was done in 22 (32%) patients and bilateral in 46 (68%). The most common indications were infections (42 patients, 36%), pain (31 patients, 27%), hematuria (14 patients, 12%), gastrointestinal reasons (1 patient, 1%), respiratory reasons (1 patient, 1%), obtaining a site for transplantation (17 patients, 15%) and suspected tumor (5 patients, 4%).
Conclusion: Native nephrectomy is recommended in symptomatic kidneys, or in asymptomatic kidneys when it is necessary to obtain a place for kidney transplantation, and in kidneys where a tumor is suspected.
Keywords: ADPKD; autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease; kidney transplantation; native nephrectomy.