Urolithiasis in Renal Transplantation Patients: An Update of the Literature

Abstract

Urolithiasis is rare in renal transplant patients (<1%). The reasons are multifactorial such as metabolic, medications, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The stones are usually found incidentally on imaging; 50% of these patients are asymptomatic. In some patients’ recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), hematuria, fever, oliguria, or anuria are presenting symptoms. The local pain on the graft may be the only sign. Diagnostic imaging and therapeutic modalities are similar to normal patients with nephrolithiasis. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed for timely diagnosis of urolithiasis in transplant kidneys and early intervention seems crucial. The common therapeutic modalities are the same as the normal patients with urolithiasis.

Keywords

• renal transplant
• urolithiasis
• percutaneous nephrolithotomy
• ureteroscopy
• shock wave lithotripsy