Laparoscopic Fixation for Torsion of Transplanted Kidney: A Case Report

Kidney graft torsion and subsequent acute kidney injury is a rare yet potentially devastating complication of intraperitoneal kidney transplant. We report a case of this elusive diagnosis and describe kidney salvage by using laparoscopic fixation. A 49-year-old male patient presented with multiple episodes of anuric acute kidney injury 16 months after an uneventful combined orthotopic liver and kidney transplantation. After a thorough investigation, a diagnosis of kidney torsion was made, and the patient was urgently operated. Upon surgery, a complete torsion of a viable kidney was found. Laparoscopic fixation was achieved by using an absorbable mesh “pocket.” The patient has experienced no similar episodes in the subsequent year. Nephrologists and surgeons should be aware of this rare complication. Prompt diagnosis and operative repair are crucial to save the graft. Prophylactic nephropexy should be considered in all intraperitoneal transplantations. •Kidney graft torsion is a devastating complication of intraperitoneal kidney transplantation.•Nephrologists and surgeons should be aware of this rare complication.•Prompt diagnosis and operative repair are crucial to save the graft.•Prophylactic nephropexy should be considered in all intraperitoneal transplantations.