BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysm repair in the presence of a functioning renal transplant carries significant risks of renal ischaemia. We describe the management of patients undergoing this treatment by using a temporary, externally sited axillofemoral bypass and discuss other treatment options. METHODS: Three patients underwent a temporary, externally sited axillary artery to common femoral artery bypass. The aneurysm was then dissected via a transperitoneal incision. When the aneurysm was clamped, the axillofemoral graft was opened allowing retrograde perfusion to the renal transplant. RESULTS: All three patients made a good recovery without postoperative deterioration of renal function. CONCLUSION: Numerous methods of protecting the transplanted kidney have been described, including expeditious surgery with no renal protection or some form of temporary shunt to perfuse the donor iliac artery. Temporary insertion of an axillofemoral bypass adds 45-60 min of extra operating time if two surgeons are present. However, this technique should completely avoid transplant ischaemia and is an excellent technique for dealing with abdominal aneurysms in patients with functioning transplants.
BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysm repair in the presence of a functioning renal transplant carries significant risks of renal ischaemia. We describe the management of patients undergoing this treatment by using a temporary, externally sited axillofemoral bypass and discuss other treatment options. METHODS: Three patients underwent a temporary, externally sited axillary artery to common femoral artery bypass. The aneurysm was then dissected via a transperitoneal incision. When the aneurysm was clamped, the axillofemoral graft was opened allowing retrograde perfusion to the renal transplant. RESULTS: All three patients made a good recovery without postoperative deterioration of renal function. CONCLUSION: Numerous methods of protecting the transplanted kidney have been described, including expeditious surgery with no renal protection or some form of temporary shunt to perfuse the donor iliac artery. Temporary insertion of an axillofemoral bypass adds 45-60 min of extra operating time if two surgeons are present. However, this technique should completely avoid transplant ischaemia and is an excellent technique for dealing with abdominal aneurysms in patients with functioning transplants.