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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
Murine Kidney Transplant Technique
Published on: October 20, 2015
Satisfactory Usage of a Lacerated Kidney for Transplantation: A Case Report
1Urologic Organ Transplantation Department, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Background:
Organ shortage is the main bottleneck in the wait-list for transplantation; therefore, expanding the donor pool is an effective way to solve the problem. Usage of the traumatized liver for transplantation has been applied, but the use of lacerated kidneys for transplant donor is rarely reported.
Methods:
We reported a successful case of donation after brain death. The donor committed suicide by jumping from a campus dormitory building. One of the donated kidneys was severely injured. Two lacerations measured 4 × 1 × 1 cm in the medial margin of the graft and 1 × 1 × 1.5 cm in the front side of the graft, respectively. After repair with continuous absorbable suture, the lacerated kidney was transplanted to a recipient.
Results:
The post-transplantation renal function gradually recovered. Furthermore, serious complications, such as large amounts of hemorrhage, delayed graft function, or urinary fistula did not occur. The serum creatinine dropped from 1232 μmol/L to 120 μmol/L and maintained normal range after surgery. In addition, the daily urine output was normal. At day 12 after operation, the patient was discharged.
Conclusions:
Our case shows that the use of a lacerated donor kidney appears to be feasible, but long-term effects need further observation.
Insights
Transplanting a lacerated donor kidney after surgical repair is feasible. This approach can expand the donor pool, offering a viable option for patients awaiting kidney transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Organ Donation
Background:
- Organ shortage is a critical issue in transplantation, necessitating strategies to expand the donor pool.
- While traumatized livers are used, lacerated kidneys for donation are rarely reported, highlighting a gap in organ utilization.
Observation:
- A case of donation after brain death involved a severely injured kidney with two significant lacerations.
- The lacerated kidney was surgically repaired using continuous absorbable sutures prior to transplantation.
Findings:
- The transplanted lacerated kidney demonstrated gradual recovery of renal function post-transplantation.
- The patient experienced no major complications, such as hemorrhage or delayed graft function, with serum creatinine levels normalizing.
Implications:
- This case suggests the potential feasibility of using repaired lacerated donor kidneys in transplantation.
- Further long-term studies are required to fully assess the outcomes and safety of transplanting such organs.
