Transplantation of kidneys with renal artery aneurysm.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of kidneys from a select group of living and deceased donors with renal artery aneurysms (RAA) is a novel way to increase the number of organs available for transplantation. Published literature on the outcome of transplanted kidneys with correctable vascular pathology has been reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcome of six transplant recipients who received kidneys after the repair of RAA is presented. RESULTS: Aneurysm was an incidental finding in two live donors, and two were noticed while preparing the deceased donor grafts for transplantation. Two kidneys were salvaged after nephrectomy as the choice of treatment for the aneurysm. All grafts functioned immediately with no post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: While there is scarcity for donor kidneys, these repaired kidneys should not be overlooked. Live donor kidneys with aneurysms can be transplanted successfully after appropriate surgical corrections.