The outcomes of living donor renal transplants with multiple renal arteries: a large cohort study with a mean follow-up period of 10 years

Successful Vascular Graft Reconstruction of Short Renal Artery Using Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in Living Donor Kidney Transplantation-A Case Report and Review of Literature

Short donor renal artery during nephrectomy poses a technical challenge. We present a main renal artery (RA) reconstruction case in Living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) using an extension polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft(PTFE). A 57-year-old man received LDKT from his son. Postlaparoscopic donor nephrectomy, a PTFE graft was used to reconstruct the short RA. Excellent reperfusion, good renal turgor, and immediate urine production were noted. Serial Doppler assessments on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 and 180 confirmed good blood flow. The PTFE graft did not cause any additional morbidity or complications related to kidney transplantation.

Single versus multiple renal arteries in living donor kidney transplantation: A systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRAs) were historically considered a relative contraindication to transplantation due to the higher risk of vascular and urologic complications. This study aimed to evaluate graft and patient survival between single renal artery (SRA) and MRA living-donor kidney transplants.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for prospective or retrospective studies comparing SRA versus MRA in living donor renal transplantation, with the provision of Kaplan-Meier curves for recipient overall survival (OS) or graft survival (GS). A graphical reconstructive algorithm was used to obtain OS and GS of individual patients, which was then pooled under random-effects individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis using Cox-models to determine hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression of baseline covariates versus HRs of OS and GS was performed for variables reported in 10 or more studies.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were retrieved, of which 13 (8400 patients) reported OS and 9 (6912 patients) reported GS. There were no significant differences in OS (shared-frailty HR = .94, 95%CI = .85-1.03, p = .172) or GS (shared-frailty HR = .95, 95%CI = .83-1.08, p = .419) between SRA and MRA. This comparison remained non-significant even when restricted to open- or laparoscopic-only studies. Meta-regression yielded no significant associations of GS with donor age, recipient age, and percentage of double renal arteries within the MRA arm.

CONCLUSIONS

The similar rates of GS and OS between MRA and SRA grafts suggest that there is no need for discrimination between the two when evaluating donors for nephrectomy.

Deceased donor vein extension grafts for right living donor kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION

In an effort to maximize living donor kidney utilization, we describe the use of deceased donor vein extension grafts for right-sided living donor kidneys and report our single-center experience using this technique.

METHODS

A retrospective review of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) who received a right living donor kidney with deceased donor vein extension graft. Recipient demographics, postoperative graft function, and surgical complications were reviewed. Living donor nephrectomies were performed laparoscopically. Vein grafts were obtained from recent deceased donor procurements. End-to-end anastomosis of the graft to the renal vein was performed prior to implantation.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight KTR received a right kidney transplant with deceased donor extension grafts. The median recipient age and BMI were 53.0 years and 29.3 kg/m2 . Total 71% were male. Ninety-five percent of grafts displayed immediate graft function, with two recipients requiring temporary dialysis due to anaphylaxis from induction therapy. Median serum creatinine at two weeks was 1.6 mg/dL and at three months was 1.5 mg/dL. There were no graft thromboses.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of deceased donor extension grafts for short right renal veins is a simple technique that expands the donor pool for living donor renal transplantation. Our experience resulted in no technical complications and excellent early graft function.

Creating a Single Inflow Orifice From Living Donor Kidney Allografts With Multiple Renal Arteries

Background: Multiple renal arteries (MRA) are often encountered during living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), requiring surgeons to pursue complex renovascular reconstructions prior to graft implantation. With improvements in reconstruction and anastomosis techniques, allografts with MRA can be successfully transplanted with similar outcomes to allografts with a single renal artery. Here, we describe in detail various surgical techniques for reconstruction of MRA grafts with the intent of creating a single arterial inflow.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all LDKT recipients with laparoscopically procured MRA kidneys between March 2008 and July 2021. Recipient and donor characteristics, operative data, type of reconstruction, and recipient outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcomes were the incidence of developing delayed graft function (DGF) and/or a vascular or urological complication within 12 months post-transplant.

Results: Seventy-three LDKT recipients of MRA donor allografts were evaluated. Two renal arteries (RA) were encountered in 62 allografts (84.9%) and three RA in 11 allografts (15.1%). Renal artery reconstruction was performed in 95.8% (70/73) of patients. Eighteen different reconstruction techniques of MRA were utilized, the most common being side-to-side anastomosis in allografts with two RA (N = 44) and side-to-side-to-side anastomosis in allografts with three RA (N = 4). Interposition grafting was performed in seven cases (9.6%). A single ostium was created in 69 cases (94.5%), and the median warm ischemia time was 27 (range 20–42) minutes. None of the patients developed DGF or post-operative vascular or urological complications. Median creatinine at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant remained stable at 1.1 mg/dl. With a median follow-up of 30.4 months post-transplant, only one graft failure has been observed–death-censored graft survival was 98.6%.

Conclusion: Complex reconstruction techniques to create a single renal artery ostium for graft implantation anastomosis in allografts with MRA show acceptable warm ischemic times, with no increased risk of post-operative vascular or urological complications.

The use of polytetrafluoroethylene graft for damaged renal artery in ABO-incompatible living donor kidney transplantation: a case report

Short donor renal vessels during donor nephrectomy represent a technical challenge. The allograft of vessels from deceased donors can be an option for reconstruction; however, cryopreserved vessels are not routinely prepared for living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). We report a reconstruction of the damaged short renal artery (RA) in LDKT using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft. A 45-year-old male patient underwent ABO-incompatible LDKT from his wife. After donor nephrectomy, we detected a hematoma surrounding the proximal RA of the allograft. The injured segment of the RA was transected, and the short RA was connected to the right external artery of the recipient; however, the blood flow was interrupted by the graft location. Once the arterial anastomosis was removed, the graft was flushed with cold saline, and a PTFE graft was used for the reconstruction of the short RA. Immediate blood flow to the renal graft was excellent without sign of parenchymal infarction until fascial closure. Renal graft Doppler on postoperative day 7 and 3 months showed good blood flow. In this patient, the use of PTFE graft presented no additional morbidity to the kidney transplantation, and no postoperative complications related to its use were noted.

Physical activity in elderly kidney transplant patients with multiple renal arteries

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the gold standard for treatment of patients with end-stage-renal disease. To expand the donor reserve, it is necessary to use marginal/suboptimal kidneys.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the short/long-term outcome of 34 KT elderly patients who received allografts with vascular abnormalities (MRA group), in comparison with 34 KT patients who received a kidney with a single renal artery (SRA group) pair-matched by age, length of time on dialysis, comorbidity and donor age.

RESULTS

All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at KT, and then 4, 8, and 12 weeks after transplantation. Our data indicate that kidney with vascular anatomical variants may be successfully transplanted, since the overall rate of surgical complications was 20.6% in the SRA group and 17.6% in the MRA group and that the 5-year survival rate after KT was 100% in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The data also underlined that individualized physical activity programs induced similar excellent results in both groups, improving physical capacities, arterial pressure, lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, quality of life and physical and mental status.

Number of Donor Renal Arteries and Early Outcomes after Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation

Background

Anatomic abnormalities increase the risk of deceased donor kidney discard, but their effect on transplant outcomes is understudied. We sought to determine the effect of multiple donor renal arteries on early outcomes after deceased donor kidney transplantation.

Methods

For this retrospective cohort study, we identified 1443 kidneys from 832 deceased donors with ≥1 kidney transplanted at our center (2006-2016). We compared the odds of delayed graft function and 90-day graft failure using logistic regression. To reduce potential selection bias, we then repeated the analysis using a paired-kidney cohort, including kidney pairs from 162 donors with one single-artery kidney and one multiartery kidney.

Results

Of 1443 kidneys included, 319 (22%) had multiple arteries. Multiartery kidneys experienced longer cold ischemia time, but other characteristics were similar between groups. Delayed graft function (50% multiartery versus 45% one artery, P=0.07) and 90-day graft failure (3% versus 3%, P=0.83) were similar between groups before and after adjusting for donor and recipient characteristics. In the paired kidney analysis, cold ischemia time was significantly longer for multiartery kidneys compared with single-artery kidneys from the same donor (33.5 versus 26.1 hours, P<0.001), but delayed graft function and 90-day graft failure were again similar between groups.

Conclusions

Compared with single-artery deceased donor kidneys, those with multiple renal arteries are harder to place, but experience similar delayed graft function and early graft failure.

Sequential analysis of single-center experience of living donor kidney transplants with several vascular anastomosis techniques

Background and aim

Vascular variations of grafts are handled with various reconstruction techniques in renal transplantation. We aimed to analyze the effects of these reconstruction techniques and sites on patient/graft outcomes.

Materials and methods

Renal transplantation cases at the Transplantation Unit of the General Surgery Department, İstanbul Uni- versity Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty between January 1st, 2000 and December 31st, 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Postoperative duplex ultrasound results, urea-creatinine reduction rates, and complications were evaluated.

Results

There were 228 living-donor transplantation cases evaluated. For single-renal-artery living-donor transplantations, there were 45 end-to-side external iliac artery, 15 end-to-side internal iliac artery, 152 end-to-end internal iliac artery, and 3 end-to-side common iliac artery anastomoses performed. In cases with double-arteries, 3 had end-to-side external iliac artery anastomoses, and 10 had end- to-end internal iliac artery anastomoses. No statistically significant differences were found between reconstruction techniques with regard to complications or urea-creatinine reduction rates.

Conclusion

Internal, external, and common iliac arteries can be safely used for anastomoses. The presence of more than one renal artery creates no short or long-term problems when a side-to-side anastomosis is initially performed.

Clinical Outcomes Following Single vs. Multiple Vessel Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Comparison of 210 Patients

Background: The use of living-donor kidney allografts with multiple vessels continues to rise in order to increase the donor pool. This requires surgeons to pursue vascular reconstructions more often, which has previously been associated with a higher risk of developing early post-transplant complications. We therefore wanted to investigate the prognostic role of using living-donor renal allografts with a single artery (SA) vs. multiple arteries (MA) at the time of transplant.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 210 consecutive living-donor kidney transplants performed between January, 2008 and March, 2019, and compared the incidence of developing postoperative complications and other clinical outcomes between SA vs. MA recipients.

Results: No differences were observed between SA (N = 161) and MA (N = 49) kidneys in terms of the incidence of developing a postoperative (or surgical) complication, a urologic complication, hospital length of stay, delayed graft function, estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 or 12 mo post-transplant, and graft survival.

Conclusions: The use of live-kidney allografts with MA requiring vascular reconstruction shows excellent clinical outcomes and does not increase the risk of developing postoperative complications or other adverse outcomes when compared with SA renal allografts.

Acute allograft dysfunction mimicking thrombotic microangiopathy in kidney transplant recipient with renal infarction: case report and review of literatures

Acute allograft dysfunction is rarely observed in kidney transplantation (KT). We report an unusual case of acute allograft dysfunction mimicking thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in recipient with renal infarction. A 65-year-old man underwent KT from his 39-year-old son. Pre-transplant donor evaluation was normal except for the branches of the upper and lower pole renal arteries originating from the aorta in renal computed topographic angiography, respectively. The immediate post-transplant clinical course was uneventful, but serum creatinine (SCr) increased from 2.2 to 4.5 mg/dL, anemia and thrombocytopenia were shown, and serum lactate dehydrogenase increased to 919 U/L on the third day after transplantation. We suspected TMA, because of no evidence of acute bleeding. The laboratory parameters associated with TMA were within normal ranges. Renal magnetic resonance angiography revealed a focal wedge-shaped perfusion defect in the upper pole of the graft and renal Doppler ultrasonography showed decreased perfusion of the lower pole of the graft. Graft function improved with conservative therapy. The patient was discharged with SCr of 1.21 mg/dL. Graft function has been stable after discharge. Acute allograft infarction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute allograft dysfunction mimicking TMA in recipients with grafts supplied by multiple renal arteries.

Retrospective Analysis of the Comparison Between Single Renal Artery Versus Multiple Renal Arteries in Living Donor Kidney Transplant: Does It Affect the Outcome?

OBJECTIVES

There is an increased risk of vascular complications in kidney transplant for allografts with multiple renal arteries versus a single renal artery. We compared the clinical outcomes of living donor kidney transplant recipients who received allografts with a single renal artery versus multiple renal arteries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis included all living-related donor kidney transplants that were performed by a single skilled urologist. All donor nephrectomies were performed by open method. The left kidney was preferred over the right for donor nephrectomy, except in cases of vascular problems or other contraindications, for which the right kidney was preferred. In most of the cases, kidneys were placed in the right iliac fossa for transplant by an extraperitoneal approach.

RESULTS

Of 97 living donor kidney transplants, 82 had a single renal artery (group 1) and 15 had multiple renal arteries (group 2). Patients ranged in age from 18 to 76 years old. Recipient ages (33.00 vs 29.46 years) and baseline serum creatinine values (8.61 vs 8.82 mg/dL) were comparable in groups 1 and 2 (P > .05). However, mean operative time and total ischemia time were significantly higher in the multiple renal artery group (221 and 53.45 minutes, respectively) compared with the single renal artery group (202 and 77.6 minutes, respectively). Graft survival at 1 year was 95.12% in the single renal artery group and 93.33% in the multiple renal artery group. Patient survival at 1 year was 96.34% in the single renal artery group and 93.33% in the multiple renal artery group.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety of kidney transplants of allografts with multiple renal arteries is equal to the safety of transplants of allografts with a single renal artery in terms of vascular complications and acute tubular necrosis, as well as patient and graft survival.

Recipient outcomes in total laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy with multiple renal vessels

Introduction:

In kidney transplantation, total laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (TLLDN) in the presence of multiple renal arteries (MRA) is technically challenging and has traditionally been associated with higher complication rates. We report our experience of using MRA grafts procured by TLLDN.

Materials and Methods:

Patients undergoing TLLDN at our center (2004–2014) was identified from a prospectively maintained database and divided into single renal arteries (SRA) or MRA groups. Recipient perioperative parameters, postoperative complications, and long-term graft survival were analyzed.

Results:

Of 465 patients, 106 had MRA and 359 had an SRA. There were six vascular complications in the SRA group and two in the MRA group (1.7% vs. 1.8%). There were eight ureteric complications requiring intervention in the SRA group compared to three in the MRA group (4% vs. 3%; P = 0.45). Acute rejection was observed in 12% of the SRA group compared to 9% in the MRA group (P = 0.23). One-, 5- and 10-year graft survivals were 98.2%, 91.3%, and 89.8% in the MRA group versus 98.0%, 90.4%, and 77.5% in the SRA group (log-rank P = 0.13).

Conclusion:

The use of MRA grafts procured by TLLDN has comparable complication rates to SRA grafts and should not preclude selection for renal transplantation.

Grafts With Multiple Renal Arteries in Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Renal grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRA) are a compelling issue in surgery of kidney transplantation. Transplantations using "grafts with MRA" have conflicting results. Here, we present our experiences on the issue.

METHOD

This is a single-center, observational, descriptive study. One hundred ninety-nine patients with end-stage renal disease received a kidney graft from their living- or deceased-related donors in our center between July 2016 and May 2017. We included all recipients to the study. Patients were divided into the following 2 groups: Group 1, recipients who received a renal graft with single renal artery, and Group 2, recipients who received a renal graft with MRA. Groups were compared for estimated glomerular filtration rates (months 1-3 and 12), delayed graft function, and graft survival. Data were analyzed by using SPSS for Windows version 15.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-five recipients with all documented data were analyzed. Graft function was compared between 2 groups in months 1, 3, and 12 and found both to have similar outcomes. MRA has been indicated to have no impact on delayed graft function, higher risk for vascular injury, and biopsy-proven acute tubular necrosis. Also, anastomosis sides have been found to have no importance on graft function in recipients with MRA (P > .05 between all sides).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates grafts with MRA and grafts with a single renal artery have comparable results in the first post-transplant year.

Feasibility and Functional Outcome of Robotic Assisted Kidney Transplantation Using Grafts With Multiple Vessels: Comparison to Propensity Matched Contemporary Open Kidney Transplants Cohort

Introduction: The aim of the study was to report the perioperative and functional results of Robotic assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) in Grafts with multiple vessels (GMVs) and compare it to the results of Open kidney transplantation (OKT) with GMVs.

Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing RAKT from living donors using GMVs were reviewed from prospectively collected RAKT database at our institution between March 2013 and March 2018. Patient undergoing Open kidney transplantation (OKT) using GMVs served as controls. Ex-vivo bench surgical reconstruction of GMVs was done according to specific anatomy. Propensity score matching was used to balance the sample size in the two groups.

Results: Of 153 RAKT and OKT procedures, 86 cases were eligible for propensity score matching for the statistically significant variables (standardized difference >0.10) and 43 procedures were assigned to each group. Median anastomoses, total and cold ischemia and rewarming times did not differ significantly between the RAKT and OKT groups. In comparison with OKT in GMVs we found that RAKT with GMVs had less pain score on post op 2nd day (p = 0.03). There was also a significant difference in mean analgesic requirement (p = 0.02), hospital stay (p = 0.05) and incision length (p = 0.04). Most of the major, minor surgical, and medical postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups except for wound related events (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Multiplicity of renal vessels in RAKT does not adversely affect patient or graft survival compared with the OKT. Satisfactory functional outcome can be achieved by RAKT similar to OKT in GMVs. RAKT seems to have advantage over OKT in that it is less invasive and has the potential to cause fewer low grade complications. Small sample size and short follow-up are the main limitations of the study.

The future for diagnostic tests of acute kidney injury in critical care: evidence synthesis, care pathway analysis and research prioritisation

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly prevalent in hospital inpatient populations, leading to significant mortality and morbidity, reduced quality of life and high short- and long-term health-care costs for the NHS. New diagnostic tests may offer an earlier diagnosis or improved care, but evidence of benefit to patients and of value to the NHS is required before national adoption.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the potential for AKI in vitro diagnostic tests to enhance the NHS care of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and identify an efficient supporting research strategy.

DATA SOURCES

We searched ClinicalTrials.gov, The Cochrane Library databases, Embase, Health Management Information Consortium, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, MEDLINE, metaRegister of Current Controlled Trials, PubMed and Web of Science databases from their inception dates until September 2014 (review 1), November 2015 (review 2) and July 2015 (economic model). Details of databases used for each review and coverage dates are listed in the main report.

REVIEW METHODS

The AKI-Diagnostics project included horizon scanning, systematic reviewing, meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity, appraisal of analytical validity, care pathway analysis, model-based lifetime economic evaluation from a UK NHS perspective and value of information (VOI) analysis.

RESULTS

The horizon-scanning search identified 152 potential tests and biomarkers. Three tests, Nephrocheck^® (Astute Medical, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), NGAL and cystatin C, were subjected to detailed review. The meta-analysis was limited by variable reporting standards, study quality and heterogeneity, but sensitivity was between 0.54 and 0.92 and specificity was between 0.49 and 0.95 depending on the test. A bespoke critical appraisal framework demonstrated that analytical validity was also poorly reported in many instances. In the economic model the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from £11,476 to £19,324 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), with a probability of cost-effectiveness between 48% and 54% when tests were compared with current standard care.

LIMITATIONS

The major limitation in the evidence on tests was the heterogeneity between studies in the definitions of AKI and the timing of testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic tests for AKI in the ICU offer the potential to improve patient care and add value to the NHS, but cost-effectiveness remains highly uncertain. Further research should focus on the mechanisms by which a new test might change current care processes in the ICU and the subsequent cost and QALY implications. The VOI analysis suggested that further observational research to better define the prevalence of AKI developing in the ICU would be worthwhile. A formal randomised controlled trial of biomarker use linked to a standardised AKI care pathway is necessary to provide definitive evidence on whether or not adoption of tests by the NHS would be of value.

STUDY REGISTRATION

The systematic review within this study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013919.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Surgical Technique Notes of Arterial Vascular Reconstruction During Kidney Transplantation: Personal Experience and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Arterial vascular anomalies in patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) are correlated with a higher incidence of early surgical complications, potentially causing graft loss. Arterial reconstruction allows patients to overcome these surgical challenges, thus minimizing the risk of poor outcomes. The aim of the present study is to retrospectively investigate the safety and effectiveness of the multiple arterial reconstruction technique with a Teflon patch in case of an unavailable aortic patch: to do so, surgical complications, graft function, and patient survival were evaluated.

METHODS

During the period January 2009 to August 2016, 202 adult deceased-donor KTs were performed at our center. Group A (n = 27; reconstruction of multiple arteries) and Group B (n = 175; control group) were compared.

RESULTS

No differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of early postoperative course, with no vascular complication observed in Group A. No vascular patch infections were reported, nor longer cold ischemia time rates. Similarly, long-term survival rates were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The Teflon-patch arterial reconstruction technique appears to be safe and effective, with an acceptable balance of benefits and potential risks of using a prosthetic material. Studies based on larger series are needed to further validate this approach.

An Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Simultaneous Bilateral Nephrectomy and Renal Transplantation for Polycystic Kidney Disease: A 20-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Many strategies regarding timing of native nephrectomies exist for patients with symptomatic polycystic kidney disease (PCKD).

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective study of 594 adults with PCKD who had renal transplants from 1994 to 2014. Three groups were analyzed: renal transplant-only recipients (tx alone), recipients of simultaneous bilateral nephrectomies and transplant (simultaneous), and recipients with pretransplant bilateral nephrectomies (pre). The primary outcome was graft survival. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Five hundred sixty-five adults with PCKD received kidney transplants (303 tx alone, 161 simultaneous, 27 pre). Ten-year posttransplant graft survival was 68.5%, 63.6%, and 65.7% for tx alone, simultaneous, and precohorts (P = 0.86). No statistically significant differences were observed in rates of postoperative ileus, deep vein thrombosis, small bowel obstruction, urinary stricture, urine leak, hernia formation, and delayed graft function. More wound complications were seen in prepatients (25.9% vs 11.1% tx alone, 5.1% simultaneous; P = 0.03), whereas simultaneous patients had a lower incidence of lymphocele (1.3% vs 11.1% pre, 10.2% tx-alone; P = 0.002). Importantly, simultaneous patients had more renal vascular thromboses (4.4% vs 1.3% tx alone, 0% pre; P = 0.04). 16.3% of renal transplant alone patients required nephrectomy at 10 years follow-up. Twenty-nine patients were referred for transplant having had nephrectomies and were ultimately not transplanted. In 4 of these patients who had data available for analysis, the mean panel-reactive antibody significantly increased after nephrectomy was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy can be safely performed at the time of renal transplantation, however, carries a significantly increased risk of renal vascular thrombosis.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for the pediatric recipient population: Risk factors for adverse outcomes

Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment of ESRD in children. Some studies have reported inferior outcomes in recipients of LDN allografts who are ≤ 5 yr of age. We performed a retrospective review of pediatric recipient outcomes of 110 LDN allografts at our institution and examined predictors of adverse outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed by dividing recipients into three age categories: 0-5 yr, 6-17 yr, and ≥ 18 yr. There was no significant difference between incidences of DGF or ARE between groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated 100% allograft survival in 0- to 5-yr-old recipients, nearly reaching statistical significance (p = 0.07) for outcome superior to that of the two older age groups. Pretransplant HD was associated with increased risk of DGF (p = 0.05). Significant risk factors for ARE were recipient weight >15 kg (p = 0.033) and multiple renal arteries (p = 0.047). Previous ARE was associated with an increased risk of allograft failure (p = 0.02). LDN is not associated with increased risk of DGF, ARE, or allograft failure in the youngest recipients. These findings support an aggressive pursuit of preemptive transplantation even in the youngest pediatric allograft recipients.

Complex kidneys for complex patients: the risk associated with transplantation of kidneys with multiple arteries into obese patients

Conflicting evidence surrounds clinical outcomes in obese individuals after transplantation; nonetheless, many are denied the opportunity to receive a transplant. Allografts with complex vascular anatomy are regularly used in both deceased and living donor settings. We established the risk of transplanting kidneys with multiple renal arteries into obese recipients. A retrospective analysis of data from 1095 patients undergoing renal transplantation between January 2004 and July 2013 at a single centre was conducted. Of these, 24.2% were obese (body mass index >30 kg/m(2)), whereas 25.1% of kidneys transplanted had multiple arteries, thereby making the transplantation of kidneys of complex anatomy into obese recipients a relatively common clinical occurrence. Vessel multiplicity was associated with inferior 1-year graft survival (85.8.% vs 92.1%, P = .004). Obese patients had worse 1-graft survival compared to those of normal BMI (86.8% vs 93.8%, P = .001). The risk of vascular complications and of graft loss within a year after transplantation were greater when grafts with multiple arteries were transplanted into obese recipients as compared to their nonobese counterparts (RR 2.00, CI 95% 1.07-3.65, and RR 1.95, CI 95% 1.02-3.65). Additionally, obese patients faced significantly higher risk of graft loss if receiving a kidney with multiple arteries compared to one of normal anatomy (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.02-3.72). Thus, obese patients receiving complex anatomy kidneys face poorer outcomes, which should be considered when allocating organs, seeking consent, and arranging for aftercare.

Does kidney transplantation with multiple arteries affect graft survival?

INTRODUCTION

We compared short- and long-term outcomes of renal transplants with single versus multiple arteries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from kidney transplants from 208 living donors performed between 1994 and 2010. Renal grafts were divided into two groups: single renal artery (n = 164) versus multiple renal arteries (n = 44). The groups were compared regarding early and late vascular and urological complications. Patient and graft survivals were compared using Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves with comparisons using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable regarding acute rejection episodes, posttransplant hypertension, postsurgery renal artery stenosis, and urologic complications. Only hemorrhagic complications and renal artery thrombosis were significantly higher in the multiple renal arteries group (P = .027 and .03, respectively). Warm ischemia time was significantly longer in the multiple renal arteries group without any influence on the incidence of acute tubular necrosis (P = .2). Mean creatinine clearance at 1 year was 65 versus 50 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = .5) and at 5 years, 60 versus 55 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = .1) for the single versus multiple renal arteries groups, respectively. Return to hemodialysis was necessary for 18.8% of the single and 16.1% of the multiple renal arteries group.

CONCLUSION

The use of an allograft with multiple renal arteries is a safe, successful surgical procedure, that does not influence patient or graft survivals or increase surgical complication rates provided the surgical team is evolved with technical skill.

Shifting paradigms in eligibility criteria for live kidney donation: a systematic review

As the organ shortage increases, inherently the demand for donor kidneys continues to rise. Thus, live kidney donation is essential for increasing the donor pool. In order to create successful expansion, extended criteria live kidney donors should be considered. This review combines current guidelines with all available literature in this field, trying to seek and establish the optimal extended criteria. Comprehensive searches were carried out in major databases until November 2013 to search for articles regarding older age, overweight and obesity, hypertension, vascular anomalies/multiplicity, nulliparous women, and minors as donors. Of the 2079 articles found, 152 fell within the scope of the review. Five major guidelines were included and reviewed. Based on the literature search, live kidney donation in older donors (up to 70 years of age) seems to be safe as outcome is comparable to younger donors. Obese donors have comparable outcome to lean donors, in short- and mid-term follow-up. Since little literature is available proving the safety of donation of hypertensive donors, caution is advised. Vascular multiplicity poses no direct danger to the donor and women of childbearing age can be safely included as donors. Although outcome after donation in minors is shown to be comparable to adult donors, they should only be considered if no other options exist. We conclude that the analyzed factors above should not be considered as absolute contraindications for donation.

Meticulous use of techniques for reconstruction of multiple renal arteries in live donor kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to provide an overview of techniques for renal artery reconstruction and to introduce a novel technique using the gonadal vein as a "Carrel patch."

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2011, we performed 128 live donor kidney transplantations. All donor nephrectomies used laparoscopic surgery, yielding 23 grafts with 2 and 3 with 3 renal arteries. The reconstruction technique was based on the length and caliber of the arteries. For 3 renal arteries, we used the gonadal vein as a "Carrel patch". The gonadal vein was harvested with the ureter as a bundle during nephrectomy. The recipients were 1.5 to 71 years old (average, 43.9).

RESULTS

All laparoscopic donor nephrectomies were performed successfully with preservation of the multiple arteries. The reconstructions were satisfactory; all grafts functioned immediately. There was no arterial infarction on postoperative Doppler ultrasound and renal nuclear scan. Renal artery stenosis occurred in 2 cases, in which the interventional balloon dilatation was first used; 1 case required subsequent stent insertion.

CONCLUSION

In cases of multiple renal arteries, the live donor kidney can be recovered safely by laparoscopic surgery. Our technique to reconstruct multiple renal arteries uses the gonadal vein as a "Carrel patch." The gonadal vein is readily available during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

A novel technique for reconstruction of multiple renal arteries in live donor kidney transplantation: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction for three renal arteries from a living donor becomes a real challenge as the limited material can be used when compared with deceased donors. Therefore, in this report we introduce a novel technique by using the gonadal vein as a Carrel patch for reconstruction with three renal arteries. The other techniques will also be reviewed in this report.

METHODS

The living donor is a 51-year-old woman with three renal arteries on the left side and one renal artery on the right side, but with early branching 15 mm from the origin. The recipient is her husband, a 56-year-old with end-stage kidney disease secondary to type II diabetes. A left laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed successfully. The three renal arteries were anastomosed to the gonadal vein patch in a parallel fashion. Thereafter, the gonadal vein patch was anastomosed to the side of external iliac artery. The renal vein was anastomosed to the side of external iliac vein.

RESULTS

The kidney was reperfused rapidly and uniformly. The kidney functioned immediately. Doppler ultrasound and renal nuclear scans revealed that the perfusion of the kidney was normal. The creatinine level was 158 umol/L at day 7 and stable at 140 umol/L during the 2-month follow-up examination.

CONCLUSIONS

The gonadal vein can be used as a Carrel patch for multiple renal artery reconstruction, in particular, for more than two renal arteries. This technique provides a new approach for the reconstruction of multiple renal arteries in living donor kidney transplantations.

Kidney Transplant with Multiple Renal Artery Grafts from Deceased Donors: Are Long-Term Graft and Patient Survival Compromised?

Background—

Kidneys with multiple arteries are often transplanted. However, the long-term outcome of such kidneys recovered exclusively from deceased donors is not clear.

Objective—

To determine whether use of renal grafts with multiple arteries affects long-term graft survival and function.

Methods—

The outcomes of 259 consecutive kidney transplants between 1996 and 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups, multiple renal artery graft recipients (n = 70) and single renal artery graft recipients (n = 189). Short-term complications and long-term outcomes (survival rates, blood pressure after transplant, creatinine clearance, and proteinuria levels at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years after transplant) were compared between the 2 groups.

Results—

Early vascular complications were more common ( P = .02) in multiple artery graft recipients (18.6%) than in single artery graft recipients (7.9%), mainly because of occlusion of a polar artery in grafts with multiple renal arteries (7.1%). Urologic complications were no more frequent in one group than in the other (5.7% vs 5.3%; P = .89). The 2 groups did not differ significantly ( P = .33) in long-term graft survival, with a median follow-up of 9.05 years (range, 0.1–12.7 years). Mean (SD) for creatinine clearance (59.4 [22.6] vs 55.9 [20.3] mL/min; P = .47), proteinuria (0.77 [2.1] vs 0.4 [0.8] g/24 h; P = .19), and systolic blood pressure (133.6 [14.5] vs 133.7 [17.5] mm Hg; P = .85) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups 7 years after transplant.

Conclusions—

Kidney transplant with grafts containing multiple renal arteries rather than grafts with a single renal artery does not significantly influence patient and graft outcomes.

Long-term outcome of grafts with multiple arteries in live-donor renal allotransplantation: Analysis of 2100 consecutive patients

Purpose

To analyse the long-term outcome in relation to multiple graft arteries (MGA) in live-donor renal transplantation, and assess its effect on graft and patient survival.

Patients and methods

Between March 1976 and November 2009, a total of 2100 live-donor renal transplants were carried out at our centre. Patients were stratified according to the number of graft arteries into two groups, i.e. MGA (two or more arteries; 237 patients) and single-graft artery (SGA; 1863 patients). Variables assessed included patient demographics, site of vascular anastomosis, ischaemia time, onset of diuresis, delayed graft function, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), acute rejection, vascular and urological complications. Moreover, long-term patient and graft survival were compared among both groups. Patients were followed up for a mean (SD) of 112 (63) months.

Results

Grafts with MGA were associated with a prolonged ischaemia time (P = 0.001) and ATN (P = 0.005). Vascular thrombosis (arterial and venous) had a higher incidence in MGA (2.5%) than SGA (0.6%) (P = 0.01). Both groups were not significantly different for the onset of diuresis, acute rejection and urological complications (P = 0.16, 0.23 and 0.85, respectively). Graft and patient survival were comparable in both groups. The mean (SD) 1-, 5-, 10- and 20-year graft survival rates (%) for MGA were 96.1 (1.26), 86.6 (2.39), 61.3 (4.42) and 33.8 (7.23), and 97.5 (0.36), 86.8 (0.84), 66.0 (1.35) and 37.3 (2.76) for SGA (P = 0.54).

Conclusions

Although there was a higher incidence of prolonged ischaemia time, ATN and vascular thrombosis in live-donor renal transplants with MGA, it did not adversely affect patient or graft survival. The early, intermediate- and long-term follow-up showed an outcome comparable to that in patients with SGA.