Posterior transperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in the treatment of renal tumors: Feasibility of a hybrid approach.

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for posterior renal tumors may be performed through anterior (transperitoneal) or posterior (retroperitoneal) approach depending on surgeon's expertise. We propose herein a surgical artifice using daVinci Xi system to combine advantages of both approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2019 to November 2020, patients with posterior renal mass, candidate for RAPN were prospectively included after informed consent. After positioning patient in lateral position, daVinci Xi system was docked on tumor side, to initiate transperitoneal procedure. Posterolateral dissection of perinephric space along fascia retrorenalis was conducted until psoas major muscle was exposed. Three additional robotic ports were then inserted in lumbar space, and RAPN was resumed after rotating daVinci Xi boom. Demographics, tumor characteristics, perioperative outcomes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients underwent RAPN with the modified technique. All cases were performed robotically, without modification of port placement. Median (range) tumor diameter was 37 (21-48mm) with median RENAL score of 8 (4-10) Median operative time and warm ischemia time were respectively 128min (70-180min) and 19min (14-22). One patient had a Clavien-Dindo grade II complication. At median follow-up of 13 months (6-18), all patients had eGFR comparable to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: We report the feasibility and safety of a new hybrid posterior transperitoneal approach for RAPN using daVinci Xi system. Limitations include the absence of RENAL score>10 and pT2 tumors. Greater experience is needed to assess learning curve for surgeons untrained to robotic lomboscopy.

[Renal cell carcinoma in candidates for renal transplantation and recipients of a kidney transplant: The French guidelines from CTAFU]. / Recommandations françaises du Comité de transplantation de l'association française d'urologie (CTAFU) : carcinome rénal sur reins natifs chez le patient transplanté rénal ou en attente de transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To define guidelines for the management of renal cell carcinoma of the native kidney (NKRCC) in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients candidates for renal transplantation. METHOD: A review of the literature following a systematic approach (Medline) was conducted by the CTAFU to report renal cell carcinoma epidemiology, screening, diagnosis and management in KTx candidates and recipients. References were assessed according to a predefined process to propose recommendations with the corresponding levels of evidence. RESULTS: ESRD patients are at higher risk of RCC with a standardized incidence ratio of approximately 4,5 as compared with general population. NKRCC tumors occur in 1 to 3 % of KTx recipients with a 10 to 15-fold increased risk as compared with general population, especially in patients with acquired multicystic kidney disease. Most authors suggest yearly monitoring of the native kidneys using ultrasound imaging. Radical nephrectomy (either open or laparoscopic approach) is the preferred treatment of NKRCC in KTx recipients and RCC in ESRD. Surveillance in a valid option in small or cystic renal masses. In the localized setting, change in immunosuppressive therapy is not recommended besides perioperative avoidance of mTOR inhibitor to limit morbidity. CTAFU does not recommend a mandatory waiting time after nephrectomy for RCC in ESRD patients candidates for renal tranplantation when tumor stage

[Living donor nephrectomy: The French guidelines from CTAFU]. / Recommandations françaises du Comité de transplantation de l'Association française d'urologie (CTAFU) : néphrectomie pour don de rein.

OBJECTIVE: To propose surgical recommendations for living donor nephrectomy. METHOD: Following a systematic approach, a review of the literature (Medline) was conducted by the CTAFU regarding functional and anatomical assessment of kidney donors, including which side the kidney should be harvested from. Distinct surgical techniques and approaches were evaluated. References were considered with a predefined process to propose recommendations with the corresponding levels of evidence. RESULTS: The recommendations clarify the legal and regulatory framework for kidney donation in France. A rigorous assessment of the donor is one of the essential prerequisites for donor safety. The impact of nephrectomy on kidney function needs to be anticipated. In case of modal vascularization of both kidneys without a relative difference in function or urologic abnormality, removal of the left kidney is the preferred choice to favor a longer vein. Mini-invasive approaches for nephrectomy provide faster donor recovery, less donor pain and shorter hospital stay than open surgery. CONCLUSION: These French recommendations must contribute to improving surgical management of candidates for kidney donation.

Open prostatectomy versus 180-W XPS GreenLight laser vaporization: Long-term functional outcome for prostatic adenomas>80 g.

INTRODUCTION: GreenLight photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) offers an endoscopic alternative to open prostatectomy (OP) for treatment of large adenomas. This study compares long-term functional outcome of both techniques in patients with Benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)>80g. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for BPO>80g from January 2010 to February 2015 at our institution were retrospectively collected and compared according to surgical technique. Patient's demographics, surgeon's experience, operative data and long-term functional results were analyzed, using IPSS and International continence society (ICS) male questionnaire associated with Quality of life scores (IPSS-QL and ICS-QL). Predictors of long-term outcome were also assessed. RESULTS: In total, 111 consecutive patients, 57 PVP and 54 OP, were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 24 and 33 month respectively. Patient's age, Charlson score, preoperative IPSS and urinary retention rates were similar. Mean prostatic volume was superior in the OP group (142 versus 103g, P<0.001). Transfusion rate was lower after PVP (P=0.02), despite a more frequent anticoagulant use. Length of hospital stay and urinary catheterization were shorter after PVP (P<0.001), with however a higher rate of recatheterization (RR=4.74) and rehospitalization (RR=10.42). Long-term scores were better after OP for IPSS (1 versus 5, P<0.001), IPSS-QL, ICS, ICS-QL. On multivariate analysis, prostatic residual volume was the only predictor of long-term IPSS but not ICS. CONCLUSION: Long-term functional outcome are better after OP compared to PVP. However, PVP offers good results, allowing to safely operate patients taking anticoagulants, regardless of prostatic volume. Endoscopic enucleation may the compromise between both techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Challenges in renal transplantation]. / La transplantation rénale et ses défis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe kidney transplantation surgical techniques and to propose strategies in high-risk recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant publications were identified through Medline (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Embase (http://www.embase.com/) database using the following keywords, alone or in association, "renal transplantation; peripheral arterial disease; obesity; third and fourth transplantation; robotic-assisted kidney transplant; anticoagulant therapy; dual kidney transplant". Articles were selected according to methods, language of publication and relevance. The reference lists were used to identify additional historical studies of interest. Both prospective and retrospective series, in French and English, as well as review articles and case-reports were selected. A total of 1949 articles were analyzed for arterial disease and anticoagulant therapy, 1083 for obesity, 663 for dual kidney transplants, 458 for third and subsequent procedures and 84 for robotic-assisted kidney transplantation. After careful selection, 304 publications were eligible for our review. RESULTS: Surgical assessment of future recipients is a pivotal step to anticipate technical difficulties, to interrupt clopidogrel or direct oral anticoagulants and to propose a revascularization procedure when necessary. Lack of data regarding obese recipients does not allow us to conclude about best surgical care or optimal timing but suggest that an early global management of obesity in chronic kidney disease patients is mandatory to improve access to a successful transplantation. In neurologic bladder and congenital anomalies, urodynamics and bladder function must be assessed prior to the onset of oliguria to intend an early treatment. Urinary diversion may be performed prior to or after transplantation with similar survival outcome and comparable rates of infections. Because of a rigorous selection of donors, the French dual kidney transplant program provides satisfactory outcomes, but fails in convincing surgical teams nationwide. Third and subsequent transplant procedures remain a surgical and immunological challenge, with an increased morbidity and a moderate decline in transplant survival only when donors are extended criteria' with extensive duration of waiting time between procedures. Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation is a recent technique requiring methodical evaluation. CONCLUSION: Kidney transplantation in challenging recipients implies a global understanding of patients' prognosis and benefits versus dialysis, in the context of the attribution of a valuable resource awaited by other patients on waiting list.

[Deceased donation in renal transplantation]. / Le donneur décédé de rein.

OBJECTIVES: To review epidemiologic data's and medical results of deceased donation in renal transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant publications were identified through Medline (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) database using the following keywords, alone or in association, "brain death; cardiac arrest; deceased donation; organ procurement; transplantation". Articles were selected according to methods, language of publication and relevance. The reference lists were used to identify additional historical studies of interest. Both prospective and retrospective series, in French and English, as well as review articles and recommendations were selected. In addition, French national transplant and health agencies (http://www.agence-biomedecine.fr and http://www.has-sante.fr) databases were screened using identical keywords. A total of 2498 articles, 8 official reports and 17 newspaper articles were identified; after careful selection 157 publications were eligible for our review. RESULTS: Deceased donation may involve either brain death or non-heartbeating donors (NHBD). Organ shortage led to the procurement of organs from expanded-criteria donors, with an increased age at donation and extended vascular disease, leading to inferior results after transplantation and underlining the need for careful donor management during brain death or cardiac arrest. Evolution of French legislation covering bioethics allowed procurement from Maastricht categories II and recently III non-heartbeating donors. CONCLUSION: The increase of organ shortage emphasizes the need for a rigorous surgical technique during procurement to avoid loss of transplants. A history or current neoplasm in deceased-donors, requires attention to increase the pool of organs without putting the recipients at risk for cancer transmission. French NHBD program, especially from Maastricht category III, may stand for a potential source of valuable organs.

[Biochemical recurrence after curative treatment for localized prostate cancer: Performance of choline PET/CT in the assessment of local recurrence]. / Récidive biochimique après traitement curatif d'un adénocarcinome prostatique localisé: intérêt de la TEP à la choline dans l'évaluation de la récidive locale.

OBJECTIVE: To establish 18 fluorocholine-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-PET/CT) performances for the detection of local recurrence in a population of patients with biochemical failure after primary curative treatment for localized prostate carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From February 2011 to February 2014, 55 patients underwent a F-PET/CT for biochemical relapse after primary radical therapy for prostate cancer localized or locally advanced. Primary therapies for prostate cancer were 19 radical prostatectomy, 18 radiotherapy, 13 radiotherapy with hormonal treatment, 3 brachytherapy. The median age was 65 years (50-79). The initial staging was 17 T1, 23 T2 and 15 T3, 52 were N0 and N1 3. The median PSA was 12 (3-127). The Gleason score was less than 7, equal to 7 and greater than 7 at 21, 25 and 9 patients respectively. The average time to recurrence was 69.5 months (8-147) with a median PSA of 2.9 ng/mL (0.48-41). RESULTS: In 42 cases, F-PET/CT showed uptake, suggesting a recurrence, metastatic (6), nodal (26) or local isolated (10). The focal uptake in PET commissioned in 5 cases prostate biopsy, confirming the histological recurrence of prostate cancer in 4 cases. Among the 10 patients with isolated local recurrence, 8 underwent salvage radiotherapy. Of the 13 cases where the (F-PET/CT) showed no recurrence, 7 multiparametric MRI were performed. The MRI showed a local recurrence in 3 patients, the diagnoses were confirmed with prostate biopsy for two of them. CONCLUSION: In our study, for the patients with biochemical relapse of prostate adenocarcinoma localized or locally advanced, (F-PET/CT) was able to detect local recurrence isolated in nearly half the cases but did not show sufficient sensitivity to exclude recurrence local if negative. It does not replace MRI or additional prostate biopsy.

Nephron sparing surgery for De Novo kidney graft tumor: results from a multicenter national study.

Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) results in the transplanted population remain unknown because they are only presented in small series or case reports. Our objective was to study renal sparing surgery for kidney graft renal cell carcinomas (RCC) in a multicenter cohort. Data were collected from 32 French transplantation centers. Cases of renal graft de novo tumors treated as RCC since the beginning of their transplantation activity were included. Seventy-nine allograft kidney de novo tumors were diagnosed. Forty-three patients (54.4%) underwent renal sparing surgery. Mean age of grafted kidneys at the time of diagnosis was 47.5 years old (26.1-72.6). The mean time between transplantation and tumor diagnosis was 142.6 months (12.2-300). Fifteen tumors were clear cell carcinomas (34.9%), and 25 (58.1%) were papillary carcinomas. Respectively, 10 (24.4%), 24 (58.3%) and 8 (19.5%) tumors were Fuhrman grade 1, 2 and 3. Nine patients had postoperative complications (20.9%) including four requiring surgery (Clavien IIIb). At the last follow-up, 41 patients had a functional kidney graft, without dialysis and no long-term complications. NSS is safe and appropriate for all small tumors of transplanted kidneys with good long-term functional and oncological outcomes, which prevent patients from returning to dialysis.

[The use of haemostatic agent: impact on perioperative outcomes of partial nephrectomy]. / Impact de l'utilisation d'un agent hémostatique sur les complications périopératoires de la néphrectomie partielle.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate impact of the use of haemostatic agent in partial nephrectomy on perioperative outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the files of patients candidates for partial nephrectomy in our center between 2005 and 2010. The use of haemostatic agent and surgical procedure data were noted. Perioperative outcomes in haemostatic agent group were compared with perioperative outcomes in conventional surgical haemostasis group. RESULTS: Among the 131 patients included, haemostatic agent was used in 91 cases (69.5%). There was no statistically difference between the two groups on age, sex, BMI, ASA score, tumor size and RENAL score. The use of haemostatic agent was more frequent for patients operated with laparoscopy (10.7%, P=0.04). Concerning perioperative outcomes, there was no difference between the two groups on surgical complications, transfusions, conversion to radical nephrectomy and hospital stay. Median warm ischaemia time was comparable into the two groups. In multivariate analysis, haemorrhage, complications and transfusions were not predicted by the use of haemostatic agent. CONCLUSION: Use of haemostatic agent in partial nephrectomy had no benefice on perioperative outcomes in our series. Rapport between utility and cost for these agents must be discussed in partial nephrectomy.

[Perioperative outcomes and mid-term results of radiofrequency ablation and partial nephrectomy in indications of renal tumor treatment and imperative nephron-sparing procedure]. / Traitement d'une tumeur rénale et préservation néphronique impérative : étude comparative des données périopératoires et des résultats à moyen terme de la néphrectomie partielle et de la radiofréquence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare morbidity, oncological and functional outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and partial nephrectomy in indications of renal tumor treatment with imperative nephron-sparing procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2010, 50 consecutive patients were referred in our center for NP or RFA for a renal tumor with either a renal function impairment defined as estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), and/or solitary kidney and/or bilateral tumors. Perioperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-six PN and 14 RFA were performed. RFA patients were older (79.2 vs. 62.5 years old), had a higher ASA score (3 vs. 2), a lower RENAL score (6 vs. 7.5) and a lower rate of tumor on solitary kidney or bilateral tumors (P=0.009). Overall complications (29.4% vs. 6.3%), transfusions (20.6% vs. 0) and longer hospital stay (9 vs. 3 days) were more likely to occur in the NP group. During a median follow-up of 22 months (4.3-53.7), eGFR decrease was similar between the two groups (P=0.34). On multivariate analysis, PN was associated with an increased occurrence of overall complications (OR=14.09, P=0.02) but with a similar eGFR decrease. No patient died. CONCLUSION: For patients with an indication of treatment of renal tumor and imperative nephron-sparing procedure, RFA seems to provide low morbidity and comparable functional outcomes as partial nephrectomy. Our limited follow-up does not permit to conclude on oncologic data.

[Renal cell carcinoma: A 12-year retrospective study of epidemiologic, therapeutic and follow-up data]. / Étude rétrospective d'une population de carcinomes à cellules rénales sur 12ans : épidémiologie, prise en charge thérapeutique et impact sur la survie.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of epidemiology and management of renal cell carcinoma and their impact on overall and progression-free survivals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the files of consecutive patients with renal cell carcinoma in our center between January 2000 and December 2011. Patients with confirmed diagnosis on histology who underwent radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy or thermoablation were included. Benign tumors were excluded. Epidemiologic and therapeutic data during the period of study were compared. Overall and progression-free survivals divided in three periods were compared by Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-nine patients were included with a median age of 60 years old [21; 89], and median follow-up of 39 months. Tumor histology was clear cell carcinoma in 75.9% of cases. During the period of study, patients with ASA score upper than 3 increased from 20.4% to 47.8%, tumor size decreased from 58.4mm to 49.5mm and incidental tumor discovery increased from 59.1% to 71.6%. Nephron-sparing surgery increased from 19.7% to 44%. Overall survival and progression-free survival was not different during this period (P=0.071 and P=0.582). CONCLUSION: The increase in early incidental discovery of renal cell carcinoma allowed nephron-sparing surgery in spite of patients with more comorbidities, with stable overall and progression-free survivals in our series.

[Xp11.2 translocation renal carcinoma in adults over 50 years of age: about four cases]. / Le carcinome rénal à translocation Xp11.2 de l'adulte de plus de 50ans : à propos de quatre cas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe demographic, therapeutic and follow-up data of four cases of renal cell carcinoma with Xp11.2 translocation in adults older than 50 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2011, 170 patients underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma in our center. Systematic histopathologic analysis of specimen removed was performed. Complementary immunohistochemical analysis was performed only in cases with uncertain diagnosis or in patients younger than 40 years of age. RESULTS: Among these 170 patients with a median age of 59years old (21-89), immunohistochemistry helped find a TFE3 translocation in four cases (2.4%). There were three women and one man of 53, 71, 75 and 86years old respectively. One patient was metastatic at diagnosis. Radical nephrectomy was first performed in all cases. TNM staging was T3aN2R0, T3bN0R0, T2N2R0 and T3aN2R2, with a Furhman grade of 4. Two patients progressed with metastasis 5 and 7months after surgery, and two with lymphatic invasion 2 and 9months after nephrectomy. One patient died during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma was uncommon after 50years of age in our series, but probably under estimated. It seemed to be associated with a poor prognosis. Larger studies must be performed to optimize its specific treatment.

De novo kidney graft tumors: results from a multicentric retrospective national study.

De novo tumors in renal allografts are rare and their prevalence is underestimated. We therefore analyzed renal cell carcinomas arising in renal allografts through a retrospective French renal transplant cohort. We performed a retrospective, multicentric survey by sending questionnaires to all French kidney transplantation centers. All graft tumors diagnosed after transplantation were considered as de novo tumors. Thirty-two centers participated in this study. Seventy-nine tumors were identified among 41 806 recipients (Incidence 0.19%). Patients were 54 men and 25 women with a mean age of 47 years old at the time of diagnosis. Mean tumor size was 27.8 mm. Seventy-four (93.6%), 53 (67%) and 44 tumors (55.6%) were organ confined (T1-2), low grade (G1-2) and papillary carcinomas, respectively. Four patients died of renal cell carcinomas (5%). The mean time lapse between transplantation and RCC diagnosis was 131.7 months. Thirty-five patients underwent conservative surgery by partial nephrectomy (n = 35, 44.3%) or radiofrequency (n = 5; 6.3%). The estimated 5 years cancer specific survival rate was 94%. Most of these tumors were small and incidental. Most tumors were papillary carcinoma, low stage and low grade carcinomas. Conservative treatment has been preferred each time it was feasible in order to avoid a return to dialysis.

[Kidney transplantation in obese recipients: review of the Transplantation Committee of the French Association of Urology]. / Transplantation rénale et receveurs obèses : revue du comité de transplantation de l'Association française d'urologie.

INTRODUCTION: Transplantation Committee of the French Association of Urology (CTAFU) conducted a review of the complication of kidney transplantation in obese recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bibliographic research in French and English using Medline with the keywords "obesity", "body mass index", "kidney transplantation", "graft function", "survival", "wound complications", "graft rejection" and "graft survival" was performed. We limited the review for the last fifteen years because of the change in immunosuppressive treatment area. Only studies with more than 20 obese patients were selected. RESULTS: Wound or infectious postoperative complications and delayed graft function are more frequent in obese patients than in non-obese recipients. Similarly, transplant survival at 5 years is lower in obese patients. On the other hand, patient survival and acute rejection are the same between the two groups if recipient selection is carefully made, particularly with regard to heart complication. CONCLUSION: Kidney transplantation in obese patients is not an easy surgery with known complication. Obese patients will take time before transplantation to explain all the risk and a regular heart follow-up is crucial if we don't want to reduce patient survival. But obese survival is better if we proceed to kidney transplantation than if they stay on dialysis, arguing for a non-exclusion of the waiting list. So there is the need for a national study concerning obese patients on waiting list to enact future guidelines.

Polyglactin tie added to nonabsorbable polymer locking clips to control artery in laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: better safe than sorry.

As Teleflex Medical contraindicates the use of Hem-O-Lok clips in laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN), we report the feasibility of a simple surgical artifice that aims to preserve the advantages of lockable clips with increased safety while respecting the manufacturer's legal recommendations. Since January 2009, a polyglactin-0 tie was placed on the renal artery in addition to the two usual Hem-O-Lok clips in LLDN at our institution (n = 10) using a pre-tied loop suture (Endoloop ligature, Ethicon) placed on the artery stump, proximally to the aorta, after kidney removal. This artifice increased operating time of 65 seconds (range, 35-85 seconds) with no modification of warm ischemia time and led to visually decreased aortic pulsation transmitted to the clips. Without evidence of increased safety, we assume that this ruse may protect surgeons from prosecution in cases of clip displacement. It certainly decreases the risk of clip slippage and should be considered as a cheap, easy artifice to reduce the already low-risk of hemorrhage in LLDN.

[Primitive renal synovial sarcoma: a cystic tumor in young patients]. / Synovialosarcome primitif rénal: une tumeur kystique chez des patients jeunes.

INTRODUCTION: The study of the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical aspects of three kidney tumors corresponding to synovial sarcomas operated on in our center over three years. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Three patients aged between 27 and 33 had an enlarged nephrectomy for kidney tumors corresponding to a histological examination of a synovial sarcoma. The tumors were symptomatic in 100% of cases with back pain and spontaneous rupture. Size varied from 5 to 13cm. The radiological aspect was a cystic tumor (BosniakIV) in two cases and in the other a spontaneous perirenal hematoma. Two were in the right kidney and one in the left kidney. The parts were analyzed after fixation. Immunohistochemical coloration and an analysis in molecular biology by RT-PCR of fusion transcripts were carried out. RESULTS: One patient died because of local development and metastasis 24 months after an enlarged nephrectomy associated with radio chemotherapy (Maidprotocol). Two patients were in total remission after an average of 25 months following the same treatment. The histology found a mesenchymal fusocellular monotone proliferation corresponding to a sarcoma. In all three cases, it was a biphasic form with plaques of fusiform cells and epithelial cells. The immunohistochemical study shows a positivity of the contingent epithelial and fusiform. The muscular markers were negative. A study in molecular biology of the fusion transcript allowed for the finding of a translocation (X;18) in all three cases. CONCLUSION: Primitive synovial sarcoma of the kidney occured in young patients. The translocation (X;18) is pathognomonic of the diagnosis. The prognosis is bleak despite complete excision, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Evaluation of intrarenal oxygenation by blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging in living kidney donors and their recipients: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: Blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI) is a noninvasive tool to measure modifications in tissue oxygen content. Lower deoxyhemoglobin concentrations due to increased tissue oxygenation induce a longer transverse relaxation time (T2*), thus a stronger MRI signal. We have studied the changes in the kidney oxygenation profiles of living donors and their recipients by BOLD-MRI associated with transplantation and nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two donor/recipient couples were selected for this preliminary study. BOLD-MRI was performed on the donor on the day prior to surgery, on day 4, and 1 month thereafter, and on the recipient on day 4 and 1 month postsurgery. Mean T2* values were measured in specific target regions in the cortical and medullary regions of each kidney using the T2StarMappingTool (Philips, Eindhoven, Netherlands). Modifications of tissue oxygen profiles were then compared considering the proportionality between T2* values and tissue oxygen content. RESULTS: The clinical courses posttransplantation were uneventful throughout the study; kidney function resumed rapidly. All MRI examinations showed a significantly higher T2* level in the cortex than in the medulla, confirming the notion that the medulla is hypoxic compared to the cortex. Nephrectomy and transplantation induced a significant rise in cortical T2* values in the remnant and transplanted kidney at day 4 and 1 month. Medullary T2* level only increased in the transplanted kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Profound modifications in renal oxygenation intervene following transplantation and nephrectomy. BOLD-MRI may be a useful tool to explore these modifications and possibly identify pathological patterns.