Native Nephrectomy in Renal Transplant Recipients with Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Background. Native nephrectomy (NNx) is often done in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. Controversy exists concerning the need and timing of nephrectomy in transplant candidates. We hypothesize that posttransplant NNx does not negatively impact patient and graft survival. Methods. Among 470 autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease transplant recipients included in the study, 114 (24.3%) underwent pretransplant (30.7%) or posttransplant (69.3%) NNx. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic records. Follow-up was until death, graft loss or June 2014. Perioperative complications were compared between the surgical techniques (open or laparoscopic) and between the pretransplant and posttransplant nephrectomy groups. The effect of nephrectomy on graft survival was analyzed as a time-dependent covariate when performed posttransplant. Results. Mean age at transplant was 52.4 years, 53.8% were men, 93% white, 70% were from living donors, and 56.8% were preemptive. Nephrectomy was done laparoscopically in 31% and 86% in the pretransplant and posttransplant nephrectomy groups, respectively. Complications were less common in those who underwent nephrectomy posttransplant (26.6% vs 48%, P = 0.03) but were similar regardless of surgical technique (open, 33.3% vs laparoscopic, 33%; P = 0.66). Patient and graft survivals were similar between those who underwent pretransplant nephrectomy and the rest of the recipients. In the posttransplant nephrectomy group, nephrectomy did not affect patient (hazards ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-1.54; P = 0.45) or graft survival (hazards ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-1.76; P = 0.1). Conclusions. Nephrectomy does not adversely affect patient or graft survival. Posttransplant nephrectomy is feasible when indicated without compromising long-term graft outcome and has fewer complications than pretransplant nephrectomy.