[Spontaneous rupture of the allografted kidney (author's transl)]

Spontaneous rupture of allografted kidneys occurred in 6 cases after 95 renal transplantations performed in the Department of General Surgery at the University Clinic in Essen. An analysis of this complication after renal transplantation is presented considering our own experience and 60 cases from the literature. The characteristic symptoms which were found in all cases consisted of oliguria, pain and swelling of the graft site and signs of hemorrhage. In 90% transplant rupture occurred within 3 weeks postoperatively. The surgical therapy should preserve the ruptured organ whenever possible. In 5 of our 6 cases we were successful in preserving the graft by suturing the tear. The analysis of the etiologic factors of 66 cases shows that oedema of the renal graft is the most common finding. A possible etiological factor seems to be the method of organ preservation.