Combination Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Percutaneous Extraction of Calculi in a Renal Allograft

Abstract

Renal calculi are a well documented although uncommon complication of kidney transplantation and may be associated with significant morbidity in this immunosuppressed population with a single functioning kidney. We describe a patient who presented with 2 episodes of staphylococcal bacteremia associated with a ureteral structure and struvite calculi involving the calices, renal pelvis and proximal ureter of a cadaveric renal allograft. The patient was treated successfully with a combination of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous extraction and balloon dilation of the ureteral stricture. Renal transplant function was not altered postoperatively. In selected cases shock wave lithotripsy can be used as effective adjunctive therapy in a renal allograft harboring stones.