[Analysis of our series of kidney transplants: urologic complications and survival].

PURPOSE: To review our series of 416 renal transplants, with special reference to the surgical complications and their management.

METHODS: From June, 1986 to October 1997, we are performed 416 heterotopic renal transplants, harvested from cadavers. Reconstruction of the urinary tract reconstruction was by ureteroneocystostomy in practically all the cases.

RESULTS: There were some urological complications in 80 patients (19.2%). The most common urological complication was obstruction of the urinary tract arising from stenosis (3.3%), lymphocele (4.3%) and clotting (1.2%). 78.1% of these urological complications were resolved by endourological techniques. Urinary fistula was observed in 12 cases (2.8%). Vascular complications in 22 (6.9%), lithiasis in 5 (1.2%), and eventrations in 11 (2.6%). The treatment of these complications is described. The actuarial survival rates were 87.8% and 77.3% at one and five years respectively for the graft, and 92.4% and 83.5% for the patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical complication rate in patients undergoing renal transplantation was 19.2%. The most common complication was urinary tract obstruction from stenosis (3.3%), lymphocele (4.3%) and clotting (1.6%); 78.1% of these obstructive complications were resolved by endourologic techniques. Percutaneous drainage and esclerotherapy of the lymphoceles resolved 66.6% of them. Renal biopsy performed with a 14G needle caused 5 severe hemorrhagic complications. There were no complications when an 18G needle was utilized.