Model of orthotopic renal transplantation in the rabbit

A microsurgical method of orthotopic renal allotransplantation in the rabbit is described, and the results of 179 consecutive procedures are presented. There were 10 (5.5%) deaths within 1 week of transplantation. Early complications included vascular thrombosis (4.4%), and obstruction (6.7%) and fistula formation (0.6%) at the uretero-ureteric anastomosis. This method of end-to-end vascular and ureteric anastomoses is straightforward and, in contrast to other models, does not require occlusion of the recipient inferior vena cava or aorta, use of a long segment of donor ureter, or operation on the recipient bladder.