Published online Sep 10, 2018. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v8.i5.142
Peer-review started: June 16, 2018
First decision: July 8, 2018
Revised: July 21, 2018
Accepted: August 6, 2018
Article in press: August 6, 2018
Published online: September 10, 2018
Processing time: 83 Days and 12.8 Hours
Urological complications, especially urine leaks, remain the most common type of surgical complication in the early post-transplant period. Despite major advances in the field of transplantation, a small minority of kidney transplants are still being lost due to urological problems. Many of these complications can be traced back to the time of retrieval and implantation. Serial ultrasound examination of the transplanted graft in the early post-operative period is of key importance for early detection. The prognosis is generally excellent if recognized and managed in a timely fashion. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the different presentations, compare various ureterovesical anastomosis techniques and provide a basic overview for the management of post-transplant urological complications.
Core tip: Urological complications, especially urine leaks, remain the most common type of surgical complication following kidney transplantation. Preservation of the peri-ureteric tissue during kidney retrieval, Lich-Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy technique and routine prophylactic ureteral stenting has been shown to decrease the incidence of these complications. Routine post-operative allograft ultrasound is important for their early detection. The majority of recipients can be effectively managed percutaneously, avoiding the morbidity associated with open surgery. The prognosis is generally excellent if recognized and treated successfully in a timely manner.