Wound Morbidity after Kidney Transplant

Abstract

Context

Wound morbidity is an important surgical complication after kidney transplant.

Objective

To assess risk factors for postoperative wound complications and the impact of such complications on outcomes of kidney transplant.

Design and Patients

Retrospectively, 108 consecutive kidney transplant patients between January 2010 and December 2010 were included in the analysis. Wound morbidity was defined as a surgical site infection or symptomatic lymphocele requiring intervention. Patient, donor, and surgical characteristics were reviewed.

Results

Eight lymphoceles and 5 surgical site infections occurred in 12 patients. Risk factors for wound complications were recipient's age (P < .01), body mass index (P = .01), urinary tract infection (P = .01), and prolonged postoperative wound drainage (P = .047). Wound morbidity did not increase the incidence of delayed graft function, acute rejection, graft failure, or mortality. Obesity, recipient's age, urinary tract infection, and prolonged wound drainage are risk factors for wound-related complications. Graft and patient survival rates are comparable between patients with and without wound-related complications.