Open AccessThe inferior vena caval conduit — a neglected technique in transplantation of the right cadaveric kidney?
Author(s) -
Tan L.C.,
Rahman A.U.,
Walters A. M.,
Sadek S.A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
transplant international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1432-2277
pISSN - 0934-0874
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2000.tb02114.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cadaveric spasm , electrical conduit , inferior vena cava , transplantation , kidney transplantation , surgery , vena cava , mechanical engineering , engineering
A short right renal vein may reduce access or compromise optimal positioning during transplantation of the right cadaveric kidney. This difficulty could be overcome by using the inferior vena cava (IVC) as a venous conduit to lengthen the short right renal vein. This manoeuvre would also facilitate training by ensuring safe tension‐free vascular anastomoses since the kidney can be lifted up a comfortable distance, thus improving exposure of the operative field. In a postal survey, only a third of UK renal transplant units utilised the IVC conduit. Despite 81.5 % of units claiming that they harvest the IVC during organ retrieval, a 2‐year retrospective audit revealed that only 4.3 % of imported right kidneys had the IVC. The IVC remains a much under‐utilised resource in the UK despite its potential benefit as a venous conduit in transplanting the right cadaveric kidney. We urge all retrieving surgeons to routinely harvest the IVC with right cadaveric kidneys during organ procurement.