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Surgical Complications after Kidney Transplantation

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Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

Abstract

Surgical complications following renal transplan-tation can occur at any time, and are predominantly related to the transplant wound, vascular anastomoses, or other urologic problems. Surgical complications continue to occur in about 10–20% of transplant recipients, but fortunately, are rarely the cause of allograft loss. Improvements in surgical technique and meticulous attention to both the donor and recipient operations have led to a significant decrease in the rate of surgical complications [1]. Equally important in minimizing the morbidity of transplant surgical complications is anticipation of these problems and prompt treatment when they occur. Perhaps the most significant factor that complicates the outcome of transplant surgical problems is the continuous use of immuno suppression, needed to prevent rejection of the allograft. Therefore in principle, transplant surgical problems should be treated using more conservative methods, which include a more prolonged period of drainage, diversion, suture retention, and the use of nonabsorbable sutures when confronted with these problems. The routine use of broad-spectrum antibiotics beginning in the operating room and the immediate perioperative period has also helped to minimize posttransplant wound infections [2].

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Flechner, S.M. (2011). Surgical Complications after Kidney Transplantation. In: Srinivas, T., Shoskes, D. (eds) Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-642-9_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-642-9_15

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