The fate of the left kidney after division of its vein

The effect of dividing the left renal vein was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Immediately after the left renal vein is divided near the renal hilum, the left kidney becomes markedly edematous and dusky. Twenty-four hours later, the kidney remains edematous and boggy. In contrast, the edema that immediately follows division of the left renal vein adjacent to the inferior vena cava is much less dramatic and virtually resolves within 24 hours. When the left renal vein was divided near the hilum simultaneously with right nephrectomy, all animals died within 48 hours. When the vein was divided adjacent to the vena cava with simultaneous nephrectomy, all animals survived. The effect of dividing the renal vein on perfusion of the left kidney was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats using intra-arterial injection of copper pigment. Division of the left renal vein reduced perfusion of that kidney to 68.9 per cent of control levels. This reduction was demonstrated to be totally reversible within 10 days.