title: Unusual complication of percutaneous nephrostomy in a renal transplant recipient.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ureteral obstruction, resulting in impaired graft function, is a well-known problem following renal transplantation. Management of ureteral complications includes percutaneous nephrostomy, which is considered to be a safe and effective measure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, we demonstrate a case of a 35-year old renal allograft recipient with primary graft function but stagnating serum creatinine following extraction of the double-J catheter. Ureteral stenosis was suspected by ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance tomography, and urinary flow was preserved with a percutaneous nephrostomy. However, early displacement of the percutaneous nephrostomy catheter resulted in distinct clinical discomfort. CT imaging suggested an intra-abdominal position of the catheter's tip, requiring immediate surgical action.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present case demonstrates that performing PCN following renal transplantation may have unexpected risks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine I, University of Luebeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nitschke
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paetzel
authors.forename: Christian S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Haas