Antegrade pyelography, percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral perfusion (Whitaker test) for the renal transplant...

Ureteral obstruction is a serious complication in renal transplant recipients. The diagnosis may be difficult with standard methods of investigation, and definite treatment may, therefore, be delayed. This paper describes the indications, the technique, and the experience with antegrade pyelography, ureteral perfusion and percutaneous drainage in 18 patients with suspected urinary obstruction. Though invasive, these methods proved to be a safe, fast and accurate means for evaluating the location and significance of ureteral obstruction. For initial treatment in obstruction, percutaneous nephrostomy is the method of choice. Surgery should be delayed until recovery of renal function with decreasing serum creatinine is demonstrated. Patients with persistent or rising serum creatinine (greater than 250 mumol./l.) did not benefit from surgical relief of obstruction.