Eversion endarterectomy of the deceased donor renal artery to prevent kidney discard.

INTRODUCTION: Deceased donor (DD) kidneys exhibiting severe atherosclerosis involving the renal artery (RA) may represent a contraindication to kidney transplantation (KT).

METHODS: Eversion endarterectomy (EE) was performed as a salvage procedure to permit KT.

RESULTS: We identified 17 cases (1.2% of all DD KTs during the study period) involving EE of the DD RA. Thirteen (76.5%) kidneys were imported, and mean Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) was 81%. Mean DD age was 59 years, mean RA plaque length was 1.7 cm, and mean glomerulosclerosis on biopsy was 10%. Mean recipient age was 64 years, and dialysis vintage was 32 months. With a mean follow-up of 36 months, actual patient and graft survival rates were both 76.5%. One patient died early without a technical problem. Of the remaining 16 patients, 2-year patient and graft survival rates were both 100%. There were no early or late vascular complications. The incidence of delayed graft function was 35%. Mean serum creatinine and GFR levels in patients with functioning grafts at latest follow-up were 1.8 mg/dL and 40 mL/min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: EE appears to be a safe and under-utilized procedure that may prevent discard of marginal donor kidneys and is associated with acceptable short-term outcomes.