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Published on: August 21, 2020
Results of cadaver kidney transplantation with right renal vein extension
Tatsuya Nakatani1, Yoshiaki Takemoto, Taku Kim
1Department of Urology, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan. nakatani@msic.med.osaka-cu.ac.jp
Introduction:
Several methods to lengthen the renal vein of the allografts have been proposed in order to secure the surgeon's field of vision and to allow appropriate positioning of the graft. However, its safety and complications have not been clarified. Furthermore, its long- and short-term results have not been investigated. Therefore, we studied the results of this operative procedure to confirm the safety of the technique.
Methods:
The right renal vein extension was utilized when the donated right kidney from a cadaver donor had sufficient length of the inferior vena cava wall. The results of 10 patients who received kidney transplantation with renal vein extension were examined.
Results:
None of the patients had vascular complications. The transplanted kidney functioned in all patients; 3- and 5-year graft survival was 100 and 75.0%, respectively.
Conclusions:
The results confirmed that this technique was safe and without complications and did not affect the long- and short- term results of patients who received cadaver kidneys. Therefore, we conclude that it is appropriate to adapt this technique when the physician judges the long renal vein suitable for the procedure.
Insights
Renal vein extension in kidney transplantation is a safe technique. This procedure demonstrated no vascular complications and supported excellent short- and long-term graft survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Various methods exist to lengthen the renal vein of allografts for improved surgical access and graft positioning.
- The safety, complications, and long-term outcomes of renal vein lengthening techniques remain unclear.
- This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a specific renal vein extension technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and complications associated with renal vein extension in kidney transplantation.
- To investigate the short- and long-term results of kidney allografts utilizing renal vein extension.
- To determine the clinical applicability of the renal vein extension technique.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 10 patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
- The right renal vein extension technique was employed when the donor kidney had adequate inferior vena cava wall length.
- Patient outcomes were retrospectively examined.
Main Results:
- No vascular complications were observed in any of the patients.
- All transplanted kidneys demonstrated successful function.
- The 3-year and 5-year graft survival rates were 100% and 75.0%, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Renal vein extension is a safe surgical technique for kidney transplantation.
- The procedure does not negatively impact short- or long-term graft survival.
- This technique is appropriate when deemed suitable by the operating physician.
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