Abstract

Aim: Ureteral complications are the most challenging, serious complications seen in renal transplant patients. In this study our aim was to evaluate the ureteral complications seen in our transplant patients. Methods: We reviewed the 191 patients who had had a renal transplan tatian between November 1994-November 2002, for ureteral complications. 57 of the transplanted kidneys were from cadaveric and 134 were from live donors. Patients with complications were compared with patients without complications in terms of age, sex, donor and nephrectomy type. Results: Four (7.0%) cadaveric-donor and 12 (8.3%) live-donor renal transplant patients, a total of 16 (8.3%), encountered ureteral complications. 6 (3.8%) patients had suture dehiscence, one (0.6%) iatrogenic perforation, 6 (3.8%) obstruction of ureterovesical anastomosis, and 3 (1.8%) ureter necrosis. 15 of the 16 patients who underwent surgery for those complications left the hospital without any problem. The patients were followed up for 1 to 73 months and their serum creatinine levels were found to be between 1.3 and 1.9mgl/dl within the follow-up period. One patient died on postoperative first day. Conclusion: Preservation of ureteral vascularization during nephrectomy is important in preventing urological complications. Complications should be treated immediately by surgery and ureter should be stented.