Ureteral fistulae after kidney transplantation: experience with 224 cases

Ureteral fistulae after kidney transplantation represent major early urological complications with reported incidence from 1.2% to 12% in large series. The aim of the study is to establish the incidence, types and ureteral fistula related morbidity and lethality rates, by donor type. From 1995. to 2001, a total of 224 kidney transplantations (171 from living and 53 from cadaveric donor) have been performed at the Institute of Urology and Nephrology in Belgrade. Mean patients age was 36,67 years (11-64; SD = 10.69). Ureteral fistulae appeared only after living donor transplantation in a total of five patients (2.2%) (p > 0.05). In all patients open fistula repair was performed. Two patients had recidive ureteral fistula after primary and after secondary open repair. Following the third open repair one patient had lethal outcome. Ureteral fistulae after kidney transplantation still remain challenging urological problem with considerable morbidity and lethality rates.