Absorbable mesh envelope facilitates handling of pediatric en bloc kidneys during transplantation

There is increasing evidence to favor the use of pediatric en bloc kidneys in renal transplantation. However, from a technical standpoint, pediatric en bloc renal transplantation is more complex because of difficulty in optimal intraoperative handling and positioning, as well as a higher potential for vascular complications. We describe our experience with a technique that has helped us to minimize the technical difficulties associated with the surgical procedure. Use of a tailored absorbable mesh envelope improves handling of the en bloc pediatric kidneys during performance of the vascular anastomoses and reduces the risk of torsion of renal pedicles.