Nonoperative percutaneous management of urinary fistulas and strictures in renal transplantation.

Percutaneous nephrostomy and stenting are effective alternatives to the surgical management of urinary fistulas and structures in the renal transplant recipient. By using these methods, five of six fistulas were able to heal, and lasting dilation of two of three ureteral strictures was achieved. Although we have generally restricted this approach for patients in whom the initial operation has failed, percutaneous management may, in fact, be the treatment of choice. The advantages of this nonsurgical approach must be balanced against the lengthy treatment period sometimes required.