Kidney transplantation in complex vascular patients
Autori:
Dean Markić
Sažetak
Summary
Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment modality for renal replacement therapy in patients
with end-stage renal disease. The increased age of both donors and recipients has made kidney implantation
more demanding. Additionally, peripheral vascular disease is on the rise worldwide, leading to challenges in
kidney transplantation and worse long-term outcomes, including reduced graft and/or patient survival. Despite
these challenges, dialytic treatment yields even worse outcomes and kidney transplantation remains the preferred
approach even in patients with complex vascular issues. Some of the aggravating factors include calcified arteries,
the presence of aortoiliac or endovascular prostheses, and the need for retransplantation (especially third and
fourth transplantations). Prior to transplantation, thorough imaging methods, including invasive ones, must be
used for all patients. Before the operation it is crucial to select the appropriate implantation site and inform
patients about potential difficulties and complications, including the possibility of intraoperative withdrawal of
transplantation. Possible implantation sites include vascular prostheses, more proximal blood vessels extending
up to the aorta and inferior vena cava. In some cases, orthotopic kidney transplantation serves as a good alternative.
However, the number of complications tends to be higher in this patient population compared to the standard
population. In summary, kidney transplantation in these patients represents a challenging surgical procedure
with increased morbidity and mortality, decreased survival of the graft and patients, necessitating an experienced
surgical team.