Surgical Complications in Early Period after Renal Transplantation

Introduction. Growing number of elderly transplant recipients and expansion of the criteria for organ donation may increase the risk of post-transplant complications and impact outcomes. Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was to define the rate of surgical complications needing re-operations and their impact on posttransplant outcomes. Materials and methods. Study includes 202 consecutive deceased donor renal transplantations performed from 01.01.2004 till 31.12.2006. with further follow-up for 3 years. We analyzed the rate of re-operations, associated donor, recipient and transplantation factors and impact on post-transplant outcomes. Results. Reasons for re-operations were bleeding and hematoma formation (n=27), urological complications (n=18) and lymphocele (n=26). Hematomas were associated increased donor body mass index (BMI, p=0,067), presence of glomerular sclerosis at zero-time biopsy (p=0,034) and with development of urological complications (p=0,004) and delayed graft function (p=0,012). Urological complications were not associated with donor, recipient and transplant factors. Lymphocele were associated with donor factors (non-traumatic brain death, p=0,034, asystoly and hypotension, p=0,077, BMI, p=0,061, presence of glomerular sclerosis at zero-time biopsy, p=0,030), re-transplantations (p=0,092) and ATG use (p=0,094). Graft loss and patient survival during the follow-up period were not associated with mentioned surgical complications. Conclusions. Post-transplant surgical complications are associated with donor condition but without impact on three-year graft and patient survival.