Ureteral obstruction following renal transplantation: causes, diagnosis and management

Br J Radiol. 2014 Dec;87(1044):20140169. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20140169. Epub 2014 Oct 6.

Abstract

Renal transplantation, first performed successfully in the 1950s, is the treatment of choice for most patients with end-stage renal failure. It confers longer term survival and a better quality of life than do both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The success of renal transplantation is dependent on the preservation of renal graft function and despite the many advances in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive regimens and supportive therapies, many challenges remain including post-operative ureteral obstruction. This complication can pose a risk to graft, and, occasionally, to patient survival. In this pictorial review, we describe the causes of ureteral obstruction following renal transplantation and illustrate the pivotal role of radiology in both diagnosing and managing these complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Disease Management*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Ureteral Obstruction* / diagnosis
  • Ureteral Obstruction* / etiology
  • Ureteral Obstruction* / therapy