Renal transplantation. 12-Year experience.

The results of cadaveric renal transplantation in one centre over 12 years are reviewed. One hundred and sixty-eight grafts have been performed in 147 recipients. At one year after transplantation, patient survival rate was 86%, and graft survival rate was 63%.

Orthopaedic problems of renal transplantation.

One in six patients receiving renal transplants has orthopaedic problems. Osteoporosis with accompanying fractures is common, as is avascular necrosis of the hips, knees, and other bones. Immunosuppressive therapy with steroids is implicated and its mode of action discussed.

The diagnosis and treatment of lymphocoeles associated with renal transplantation. A report of 6 cases and a review of the literature.

Six patients have developed a lymphocoele after renal transplantation, an incidence of 4%. A lymphocoele should be suspected in a patient who develops a rising creatinine with a pelvic mass or pressure effects on the pelvic veins 1 or more months after operation. The diagnosis is confirmed by intravenous urography, venography and ultrasonography: the use of the latter as a diagnostic measure is recommended.

The management of urinary fistulae following cadaveric renal transplantation.

Vesicoureteric, ureteric and calyceal fistulae in cadaver transplants may be successfully treated by early exploration and nephrostomy splintage with silastic tubing for a period of not less than 6 weeks.