Computed tomography in the diagnosis of complications following renal allograft surgery

Computed tomography was used in a consecutive series of 74 transplantations in the diagnosis of complications to renal allograft surgery. Thirty-nine peritransplant fluid collections were demonstrated, 13 of these were subjected to surgery. A diagnosis of the specific nature of the fluid collection was possible in cases of urine leakage and fresh hematomas. The method was sensitive in defining the size of the renal pelvis though differentiation between postrenal obstruction and large non-obstructed collecting system was not always possible. The cause of postrenal obstruction could be identified in 5 patients out of 10. Renal infarctions were diagnosed in 8 patients. Computed tomography seems to be a highly accurate method in the diagnosis of complications to renal allograft surgery. The method can be used independent of transplant function and the use of contrast medium is necessary only to verify urine leakage and infarction.