Anaesthesia for renal transplant surgery

Although the overall outcome of patients undergoing renal transplant surgery has improved in recent years, delayed graft function and myocardial infarction remain common and severe postoperative complications. This review article provides an update on anaesthesia for renal transplant surgery in order to optimise perioperative therapy and improve the outcome of these patients. In particular, the characteristics of this high-risk population and the recommendations for preoperative 'work-up' are summarised. Care for the living donor, commonly used drugs and their potential nephrotoxic properties are discussed. Finally, the current knowledge about volume therapy, optimised haemodynamic management and postoperative care is described.