Orthotopic renal transplant and results in 139 consecutive cases.

Although a commonly performed technique, heterotopic renal transplantation may be a cause of late graft failure owing to ureteral stenosis, urinary fistula and vesicoureteral reflux secondary to the immune response. The new retroperitoneal lumbar approach to the splenic vessels has allowed the orthotopic technique to be developed using the splenic artery or aorta, the renal vein and a pyelo-pyelic anastomosis. In this manner the renal graft is located in an anatomical position that is well protected, and with the recipient urinary tract the normal physiology is preserved with comparatively low complication and mortality rates. A third transplant attempt also is simplified. This method is the only alternative in some cases. Transplant ureter pathology symptoms are not observed. The results of 139 consecutive cases are presented.