[Use of the intestinal graft in renal transplantation in children and adults].

Intestinal grafts as a means to external shunting of urine during renal transplant operation were described by W.D. Kelly as early as 1966. Since then 80 cases have been reported in the Anglo-Saxon literature. A total of 68 well-documented cases showed functional kidneys in 52%, complications in 42% and a 13% mortality rate. Between 1973 and 1985, of 400 renal transplant operations in children, an intestinal graft was used in 8 cases (2%) to provide 4 definitive external diversions and 4 enlargements or replacements of bladder. Indications for use were neurological bladder and posterior urethra valves. In all cases the graft was prepared before transplant operation. Enlargement of bladder requires good cervico-urethral function determined by previous study of a generally nonfunctioning bladder distal to an cutaneous ureterostomy. To avoid post-transplant urological effects the graft for enlargement or replacement is opened temporarily on to skin and closed several months after grafting. Follow up for 2 to 8 years showed 6 kidneys functioning normally, and 3 enlarged or replaced bladders out of 4 currently closed functioning satisfactorily. The 2 lost kidneys were rejected 2 weeks and 2 years respectively after the graft operation. There was no mortality or urological complication. The only surgical complications related to the intestinal graft were 3 early-onset occlusions treated successfully. Calculi formed in 2 cases, one being eliminated spontaneously at an early stage and the other, of late onset, requiring two operations. Metabolic or infectious complications were benign.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)