Surgical Complications After Pediatric Renal Transplant

Renal transplant is the most appropriate treatment for both adult and pediatric patients with end-stage renal failure. Here, we analyzed surgical complications after pediatric renal transplant at our center. We retrospectively analyzed data from patient files and hospital charts of pediatric patients who had renal transplant at our center (Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey). Our immunosuppression protocol, a calcineurin inhibitor-based triple regimen, was applied to all recipients (steroids, mycophenolic acid). For neoureterocystostomy anastomosis, we used the corner-saving, open-loop continuous suture technique with double J stent for all patients, except when faced with an unfavorable situation. Catheters were removed within 4 weeks after transplant. Among 40 pediatric renal transplant procedures performed at our center since 2006, we had 6 documented surgical complications (15%), with 3 being early and 3 being late complications. In the early transplant period, there were 2 surgical and 1 urologic complications. Eight patients (20%) lost their kidney grafts over the 10-year follow-up. The main reasons for graft loss were chronic allograft nephropathy in 4 patients (10%), BK virus nephropathy in 3 patients (7.5%), and hyperacute rejection in 1 patient (2.5%). Two patients died; however, no patient deaths or graft losses were from surgical complications. Overall graft and patient survival rates were 97% and 100% at 1 year, 94% and 98% at 5 years, and 68% and 95% at 10 years. Renal transplant in pediatric patients is a safe procedure in our department, based on patient and graft survivals, with a low rate of graft loss from surgical problems. As a result, our center is showing success with pediatric renal transplant procedures in accordance with the developed centers in the world.