[Organ preservation and long-term function after spontaneous rupture of kidney transplant]

The spontaneous rupture of the transplanted kidney is no rare complication of the early postoperative period after human allotransplantation of a kidney. From 1968 to 1980 434 kidney transplantations were performed. It is reported on 26 spontaneous ruptures. Typical symptoms characterize the appearance and an immediate surgical treatment is then necessary. A retardation of the diagnosis and of the operative treatment by more than 24 hours is accompanied by a clear deterioration of the prognosis of the transplant. We report on the possibility and necessity of the preservation of the organ and the suturing of the rupture of the transplant, which was done in 19 cases. Following to this 15 ruptures kidneys began their function and the recipients live for 3 months up to nearly 7 years with their transplant.