One-Suture, 1-Knot Technique in Renal Vascular Transplant

Abstract

Objectives: We describe the results of our 1-suture, 1-knot technique for vascular anastomosis in renal transplant. This technique can be used for both of the arterial and venous anastomoses.

Materials and Methods: Between May 2006 and June 2008, a total of 386 renal transplants were done in our center, using a 1-suture, 1-knot technique. Intraoperative data including the warm and cold ischemic time, arterial and venous anastomotic time, and any early and late postoperative complications in the follow-up were recorded.

Results: Mean age of recipients was 37 years. Mean kidney warm and cold ischemia time was 4.8 and 26.2 minutes. Mean arterial and venous anastomotic time was 5.1 and 7.2 minutes. No vascular complications were seen in the early postoperative period. Delayed graft function was diagnosed in 36 patients, but a renal scan showed good perfusion of the allografts of these cases. In the mean follow-up of 18.5 months, we did not encounter any case of renal artery thrombosis or any suspected arterial stenosis.

Conclusions: The 1-suture, 1-knot technique is a safe, rapid, and easy method for arterial and venous anastomosis of the renal allograft with low complication rates. It is especially valuable in obese patients and recipients with deep iliac fossa.