Allograft nephrectomy--a 16-year experience

A review has been made of the indications, technical problems, complications and results of 31 allograft nephrectomies in 29 patients; 12 patients died between 15 days and 1 month after graft nephrectomy, which was undertaken within 6 months of transplantation. Gross local and general complications occurred in 7 patients who survived graft nephrectomy. The procedure is recommended when graft failure occurs within 6 months of transplantation provided it is associated with systemic signs of severe rejection or sepsis, or if it occurs in cases where continuation of immunosuppressants is life-threatening.