[Ureteral obstruction in the kidney transplant patient]

Ureteric obstruction is a common complication following kidney transplantation ranging from 2% to 5% after one year and till 9% after five years post-transplantation. It hinders the return to good renal function and in certain cases leads to the organ loss or patient mortality. Technical factors and ureteric ischemia are the most important causes. The authors report their experience with kidney transplantation and 6 cases of ureter obstruction with a global incidence of 5.5%. We discuss the aetiology, the management and the treatment for this complication emphasizing the importance of either color Doppler ultrasound for the diagnosis or percutaneous nephrostomy for the radiological establishment of the blocked level as well as the first choice of treatment. In order to reduce the morbidity and mortality for this complication early and aggressive treatment is advocated.