Understanding and Managing Urine Leak After Kidney TransplantationA Clinical Perspective

Understanding Urine Leak in Kidney Transplantation
Urine leak is a common urological complication that can arise due to:

  • Surgical factors: Anastomotic breakdown, iatrogenic bladder injury, or excessive dissection.
  • Ischemic factors: Ureteric necrosis due to compromised blood supply.
  • Obstructive factors: Bladder outlet obstruction leading to increased pressure.

Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
Patients with urine leaks may exhibit:

  • Increased drain output with high creatinine and potassium levels.
  • Perigraft swelling, pain, fever, or sepsis.
  • Worsening graft function.

Diagnostic Tools:

  • Biochemical analysis: Comparing drain fluid creatinine levels with serum levels.
  • Ultrasound and CT scan: Identifying fluid collections and hydronephrosis.
  • Radionuclide imaging: Detecting urine leaks when other imaging is inconclusive.

Evidence-Based Management Strategies

  • Small Leaks: Managed conservatively with prolonged Foley catheter drainage and ureteric stenting.
  • Large Leaks or Hydronephrosis: Percutaneous nephrostomy with nephrostogram evaluation.
  • Persistent or Severe Cases: Surgical intervention, including ureteric reimplantation, native ureter anastomosis, or Boari flap procedure.
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