Management of urinary fistulas after renal transplantation

Urinary fistulas developed in 13 of 134 patients after renal transplantation. Bladder fistulas originating from the anterior suture line in 6 patients were satisfactorily managed by urethral or paravesical drainage. Fistulas arising from the donor ureter were best treated by surgical repair using the recipient's own ureter. Caliceal fistulas in 3 patients were successfully treated with nephrostomy drainage. A favorable outcome was achieved in 11 of the 13 patients, with closure of the fistula and preservation of renal function.