Insertion of a double pigtail ureteral stent for the prevention of urological complications in renal transplantation: A prospective randomized study

Purpose: Urologists successfully use ureteral stents to protect the ureteroves Materials and Methods: We determined the value of ureteral stents in transplant patients. The frequency of urological complications (leaks, obstructions and urinary tract infections) was compared in a prospective randomized series of 194 kidney transplantations (97 with and 97 without a double pigtail ureteral stent). Results: In the stent group 1 patient had a urinary leak and 35 had urinary tract infections (including 2 cases of Corynebacterium cystitis). In the no stent group 6 patients had urinary leaks, 4 had obstructions and 32 had urinary tract infections. The 1-year patient and graft survival rates were similar in both groups, and renal function at 1 year was also similar (229 versus 208 mu mol./l. creatinine in the stent and no stent groups, respectively). A small number of stent related complications occurred (2 stent breakages and 1 stent migration). No stones formed in any case. Conclusions: Ureteral stent insertion significantly decreases the rate of vesicoureteral leakage and obstruction in renal transplantation.