Post-transplant lymphocele: an unusual cause of acute urinary retention mimicking urethral injury

Int J Urol. 2006 Apr;13(4):468-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2006.01324.x.

Abstract

Retroperitoneal pelvic lymphoceles are one of the most common complications following renal transplantation, and usually present with a palpable mass, ipsilateral leg edema, hydronephrosis caused by ureteral obstruction, decreased renal function and cutaneous lymphatic fistula. However, lymphocele rarely causes acute urinary retention. In this study, we describe a case of a patient who developed acute urinary retention after renal transplantation mimicking urethral injury. When a transplanted patient demonstrates the inability to void, one should consider bladder outlet obstruction resulting from lymphocele as a possible cause.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Lymphocele / complications*
  • Lymphocele / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Pelvis
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Retroperitoneal Space
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Urethra / injuries*
  • Urethral Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Retention / diagnosis
  • Urinary Retention / etiology*
  • Urography