Infective Complications Associated with Ureteral Stents in Renal Transplant Recipients

Objective: Stenting of the ureter is commonly performed during renal transplantation to avoid early complications. However, it predisposes to infections that may pose a significant threat to the graft and patient. Our study sought to investigate the incidence of infections associated with stents in renal transplant recipients.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive renal transplant recipients performed over 1 year with 6 months follow-up.

Results: The median recipient age was 46 years (range, 19-71 years). Among the study group, 75 patients received an organ from deceased donor and 25 from live donor. In our study, there were 79 patients with a stent (ST) and 18 without a stent (WOST); 3 patients who required nephrectomy were excluded from the study. There were 2 ureteric stenoses that occurred following stent removal: 1 required surgical correction and 1 was treated radiologically. There were no cases of urinary leak. The incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) was significantly greater among ST compared with WOST subjects (71% vs 39%; P = .02). New episodes of UTI following removal of the stent were more common among patients who had experienced infections while having a stent compared with infection-free stented patients (54% vs 30%; P = .04).

Conclusions: A ureteric stent may help to reduce early postoperative complications (leak and stricture), but increased the likelihood of UTI. Infection while having a ureteric stent was associated with a high recurrence rate of UTI even after stent removal.