An overview of renal transplantation: current practice and use of ultrasound

Imaging has played a major role in monitoring the well-being of the renal graft. Ultrasound, in particular, has been extremely helpful for the detection of postoperative complications related to the transplant kidney. From an imaging perspective, the complications of renal transplantation can be categorized into vascular complications, complications related to the collecting systems (urological complications), perinephric fluid collections, and parenchymal complications. Additionally, there are some complications that may occur, secondary to a transplant renal biopsy. To be able to correctly identify the complications associated with renal transplants, one should have a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of the transplant procedure and be familiar with the normal or expected findings after a transplant. This article provides an overview of renal transplantation and discusses the use of various imaging modalities in its evaluation. The various complications associated with renal transplant as well as renal biopsy are elaborated in this article with special emphasis on the use of ultrasound.