ENDOUROLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF COMPLICATIONS IN RENAL-ALLOGRAFTS

Because of the altered anatomy, the presence of immunosuppression, the possibility of graft rejection, and the serious implications of a pro blem involving a solitary kidney, the transplanted kidney presents uni que challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic complication s. Historically, the mortality rate in these patients has been as high as 68%, and as many as 15% of the allografts have been lost. Today, e ndourologic procedures are used for prompt diagnosis, temporization, a nd even definitive management of many urologic complications, and many patients and allografts are being saved. The authors review present t echniques and suggest others that may be available in the future.