Calyceal-cutaneous fistulae in renal transplant patients

Calyceal-cutaneous fistula is a serious sequela of renal transplantation occurring in approximately 3% of allografts. This complication occurred in 12% of allografts with multiple renal arteries. A localized area of poor parenchymal perfusion involving less than one-eighth of the kidney was noted at the time of transplantation in only one-third of the kidneys developing fistulae. Attempts of surgical correction of the fistulae in the presence of serious wound and urinary tract sepsis were usually unsuccessful, with the ultimate loss of 7 of 8 kidneys and the death of 3 patients from sepsis. One individual underwent successful partial resection and closure of the fistula with a muscular graft and survives with adequate function. This experience would suggest that if an initial aggressive surgical attempt at repairing a calyceal-cutaneous fistula fails, transplant nephrectomy should be performed.