Management of rupture in allografted kidneys

Allograft rupture is a rare but serious complication in renal transplantation, occurring in 3 to 8.5% of the transplanted kidneys. The consequences for the recipients are fatal in 6% of the cases and graft loss is the outcome in another 53%. Clinical features and treatment of renal allograft rupture are discussed and illustrated by a case history, in which successful management of this complication resulted in salvage of the graft and patient. A literature study with the purpose of determining the pathogenesis of graft rupture revealed that rejection plays a major role.