Urological complications after kidney transplantation

Background: Urological complications represent a common problem in kidney transplant surgery. The estimated incidence of these complications occurs in 3-30% of renal transplants. Solving these complications may improve renal graft survival and, consequently, patient outcome. The objective is to establish the prevalence of urological complications after renal transplantation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 338 patients with kidney transplantations performed at the Transplant Unit of the Specialties Hospital of the Western Medical Center over a 6-year period. Data were obtained from the patients' clinical files about the prevalence of urological complications and their management. Renal graft loss prevalence and mortality were reported. Results: Overall prevalence of urological complications was 5.92%. Onset time of all complications occurred between 1 and 210 days. Diagnosis was established using clinical, laboratory and imaging methods. Endourological management with double-J catheter through cystoscopy was used as the first option of treatment in the majority of patients, having complete resolution in all cases. There was no graft loss or mortality in our patients. Conclusions: The most common urological complication was the urinary fistulae located at the ureterovesical anastomosis. In comparison with other transplant centers worldwide, our prevalence of urological complications was similar.