[Follow-up in kidney transplantation. Which complications are likely?]

Kidney transplantations are being performed in every increasing numbers, and, in addition to specialist centres, nephrologists, general practitioners and urologists are more frequently being involved in the provision of aftercare. The major urological complications seen after transplantation include ureteral stenosis and necrosis, incontinence and impotence, lymphoceles, arterial stenosis, infections of the urinary tract and adnexa, as well as--the most serious complication--malignant tumours. In addition, the immunosuppression required by these patients is often associated with secondary disorders such as hypertension, steroid-related diabetes, hyperlipidemia and infections. Against the background of progressive organic deficiency it is of particular importance to identify such complications and to treat them adequately, or to prevent them from occurring, thus ensuring the longest possible survival of transplant and patient and improved quality of life.