Allograft nephrectomy.

The indications, complications and results of 54 allograft nephrectomies undertaken in 44 patients have been reviewed. There were 7 deaths following 39 nephrectomies done within 6 months of transplantation and complications occurred in a further 14 instances. Many of these resulted from pre-existing infection. When nephrectomy was carried out 6 months after transplantation there were no deaths and morbidity was less. If graft failure is diagnosed within 6 months of transplantation immediate nephrectomy is recommended to prevent future complications. When graft failure occurs later it is suggested that nephrectomy be undertaken only when definite indications for this are present.