GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS OF RENAL-TRANSPLANTATION .2. COLON

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 119 (11), 1301-+
Abstract
In 95 consecutive cases of cadaveric renal transplantation followed up for 1-83 mo. (mean 23.1 mo.), 7 colonic complications developed in 7 patients. These included ischemic colitis in 3, colonic perforation in 2, fecal impaction in 1 and appendicitis in 1. Except for appendicitis all the complications occurred within 2.5 mo. of transplantation and were not related to the patient''s age, sex, blood group, or use of cigarettes or alcohol, the duration of hemodialysis before transplantation, the tissue match or the number of infusions of immunosuppressive medication. Two patients died, but not of the complication. In the management of free colonic perforation prompt resection or exteriorization, with avoidance of intraperitoneal suture lines, and continuous postoperative peritoneal lavage may be lifesaving. Early surgical intervention and creation of a colostomy in one of the cases of ischemic colitis proved helpful.