Evaluation of the Incidence and Risk Factors of Urine Leakage Following Kidney Transplantation

Early and accurate diagnosis and management of surgical complications occurring after kidney transplantation are mandatory for the team managing these patients. Urinary leakage is one of the most important complications. In this paper we determine the incidence of urine leakage and its related factors in order to find ways for reducing this complication.

This descriptive study was performed in Al-zahra hospital, affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data was collected by reviewing files of all the patients transplanted in this center from 2003 to 2008 and they were recorded in questionnaires. The data was analyzed by SPSS software.

Of the total of 248 patients, 12 (4.8%) had urine leakage, 7 (2.8%) had urine obstruction and 7 (2.8%) had wound infection. There was a statistically significant relation between leakage and obstruction of the urinary system, as well as between urine leakage and wound infection. There was no statistically significant relation between the incidence of urine leakage and the recipient's age, sex and underlying diseases; age and sex of the donor; cadaver/alive or relative/non-relative donors, the dosage of corticosteroids, and the duration of anesthesia.

It is suggested that the technique of the surgery, not the other associated factors of the donor and recipient, is the main factor affecting urine leakage following kidney transplantation.