Objective: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) presents significant challenges in pediatric patients, with urological disorders accounting for 20–30% of cases. Among congenital anomalies, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and posterior urethral valve (PUV) are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) can contribute to post-transplant complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and graft dysfunction. This study compared patients in terms of graft survival and function, postoperative complications, and urinary tract infections based on the etiology of renal failure.
Methods: A total of 32 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 2015 and 2023 were divided into two groups based on the cause of bladder abnormality: neurogenic and urologic. The minimum follow-up duration was 24 months. Urodynamic studies were performed in patients with LUTD before transplantation to ensure a low-pressure and adequately emptying bladder. Based on these perioperative assessments, lower urinary tract management strategies were determined. Demographic data, graft functions, and postoperative complications were compared. All patients were evaluated using urinary tract ultrasonography, uroflowmetry, and video urodynamics.
Results: The most common urologic cause was posterior urethral valve (13 patients), while the most frequent neurologic cause was spina bifida (8 patients). There was no statistically significant difference in long-term graft survival between patients with neurogenic and urologic causes of abnormal bladder. However, the postoperative UTI rate was significantly higher in the neurogenic bladder group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding other postoperative complications.
Conclusion: Although LUTD increases the risk of UTIs, renal transplantation can be safely performed with careful preoperative evaluation, appropriate bladder management, and close postoperative monitoring. Achieving a compliant, low-pressure bladder is critically important for successful graft outcomes.