Introduction:
Kidney transplantation (KT) is the treatment of choice for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) because it significantly improves the quality of life and long-term survival of patients compared with dialysis treatment. However, patients undergoing transplantation have an initial increase in mortality and morbidity related to the surgical procedure and its complications.
The objective of this study is to evaluate early surgical complications (SCs) after KT at our center.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective observational study of the SCs occurring within the first two months after KT. All kidney transplants performed at our transplant center between April 2021 and November 2023 were included. The medical records of KT recipients were retrospectively reviewed. SCs were defined as any deviation from the normal postoperative course.
Ureterovesical anastomoses were performed using Lich-Gregoir technique with a temporary ureteral stent for nearly 45 days in all patients.
Results:
A total of 64 kidney transplantations were performed in 52 (81.3%) men and 12 (18.7%) women, with a mean age of 35 years (range, 13-74 years). All KTs were done from living donors.
At least one surgical complication occurred in 11 patients (17.2%). The most common complication was hematoma, which developed in 4 patients (6.25%). Other complications were vascular (deep vein thrombosis n = 1; 1.6%), urological (ureteral obstruction n = 1; 1.6%, ureteral stenosis n = 1; 1.6%, urine leak n = 1; 1.6%), lymphocele (n = 3; 4.7%), and wound infection in one patient.
Most complications were managed conservatively without the need for surgical intervention except for three patients (4.7%). The prognosis and graft function were good in all patients without postoperative mortality. Hematoma required surgical re-exploration in one patient. Ureteral reimplantation was done for two patients due to urine leak and ureteral obstruction. Lymphocele resolved spontaneously in all three patients.
Conclusions:
Despite significant advances, postoperative surgical complications still represent important causes of prolonged hospitalization and impaired graft function. Early detection and appropriate management of these complications are essential to patient and graft survival.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.