Early transient leg swelling at the side of renal transplant in two children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Surgical Complications
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Renal transplantation is a life-saving procedure for children with end-stage renal disease.
• Post-operative complications can impact graft function and patient well-being.
• Understanding rare complications is crucial for optimal patient management.

Observation:

• Two pediatric patients developed significant leg swelling adjacent to the renal transplant site.
• The swelling was attributed to extrinsic compression of the iliac vein by the transplanted kidney and surrounding fluid collection.
• Doppler flow studies were essential in ruling out deep vein thrombosis.

Findings:

• The leg swelling was a mechanical complication secondary to the renal transplant and fluid accumulation.
• Thrombosis was excluded as the cause of the swelling.
• Conservative management combined with anticoagulation proved effective.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare but manageable complication following pediatric renal transplantation.
• Non-invasive imaging like Doppler ultrasound is vital for accurate diagnosis.
• Judicious use of anticoagulation, avoiding aggressive interventions, is key for favorable outcomes.