SURGICAL ASPECTS OF LIVE DONOR KIDNEY-TRANSPLANTS IN KENYA

Review of twenty cases of live-donor kidney transplants in Kenya for a period of 5 years (1985-1989) and the follow up study results reveale d that there were both high graft losses, high morbidity and mortality due to various complications pertaining to surgery and immunosuppress ion. The most serious complications were intercurrent infections, acut e or chronic rejection, pulmonary embolism, steroid induced diabetes, pneumonia, and myocardial infarction. At the end of the first year fol low up, there were only twelve graft patients alive. Magnetic Resonanc e Imaging (MRI) was not available for assessing the anatomical and fun ctional behaviour of the transplanted kidneys. This would have assiste d in early diagnosis of the degree and onset of rejection for appropri ate treatment before the death of the allografts. It would also assist in differentiating perfusional problems from rejection.