Acute renal allograft rupture--a good prognostic sign?

Acute renal allograft rupture is a well recognised though uncommon complication of transplantation. Previous reports suggest a close association with rejection and record a high incidence of graft loss and significant mortality. In a series of 11 consecutive allograft ruptures, no graft required removal at initial exploration and eight are still functioning with a mean follow-up of 20 months. This experience shows acute renal allograft rupture is a relatively benign complication and that conservative management leads to a satisfactory outcome in the majority of patients.