Outcomes of renal transplantations with multiple vessels

Abstract

Aim: We reviewed our renal transplantation experience with multiple renal arteries and veins.

Method: We divided the patients who underwent renal transplantation between 2004 and 2009 into two groups according to the vascular structure: multiple (group 1) versus single (group 2). Vascular anastomoses were primarily completed in an end-to-side manner to the external iliac artery and vein. The number of involved vessels was 51 among the 23 patients in group 1. We evaluated the function of the transplanted kidney using scintigraphic studies and serum creatinine levels.

Results: The male:female ratios were 15:8 and 73:30, mean ages 31.9 (range = 12-64) and 33.4 (range = 17-64) years, and the living related:cadaveric donor ratios 18:5 and 75:28 for groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was one case of acute rejection in group 1, and seven cases in group 2. The number of kidneys with delayed function was 11 in group 2 and one in group 1. Two perirenal abscesses, two urinary fistulae, one lymphocele, two hematomas around the kidney, and four renal artery stenoses were seen in group 2. The complication rates were 21.79% in group 1 and 35.92% in group 2. (χ(2) = 1.70, P > .05). The mean creatinine levels at 1 month after the transplantation were 1.21 ± 0.38 mg/dL and 1.12 ± 0.31 mg/dL in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .215).

Conclusion: The incidences of postoperative complications were not different for renal grafts involving multiple versus single vessels.