Spontaneous rupture of cadaver kidney allotransplants: how successful is a repair? Report of 22 cases and review of the literature.

Spontaneous rupture of the transplanted cadaver kidney is not rare in the early posttransplant period. Experience with this complication in 22 of 364 kidney transplantations performed from 1968 to 1978 is reviewed. Rupture is associated with typical symptoms and immediate exploration is mandatory. If the diagnosis and surgical repair is delayed for more than 24 h, the outcome is poor. This study emphasizes the possibility and necessity of conservation and repair of the ruptured allograft. In 15 out of 22 cases of rupture, graft repair was performed and normal graft function could be restored with long-term success in 11 of the 15 cases.