Use of vena cava to obtain additional length for the right renal vein during transplantation of cadaveric kidneys.

During cadaveric organ harvesting removal of the right renal vein and a segment of the vena cava may facilitate venous anastomosis of the right kidney. The technique to obtain adequate length of the right renal vein using the vena cava is simple, physiological and effective. A segment of the inferior vena cava should be harvested with the right but not necessarily with the left kidney. The use of a long segment of vena cava makes the renal transplantation much easier and does not interfere with multiorgan procurement. The method is most useful when the right renal vein is extremely short or when the recipient has a large abdomen and a deep pelvis.