[Renal transplantectomy: surgical technics and results. Apropos of 60 patients]

Nephrectomy of a non-functioning renal transplant after renal transplantation is a delicate operation which the authors evaluate on the basis of a retrospective analysis of 62 patients. A review of the literature helps to more clearly define the indications, optimal time of the operation and the operative technique. A subcapsular approach, by simplifying the operation, constitutes an important factor in reducing the operative morbidity in the late forms. "Early" transplantectomies are often more serious because of the recently operated patient's fragile status and immunosuppression, responsible for frequent infectious complications. Transplantectomy should therefore not be delayed once the permanent loss of transplant function has been confirmed.