Renal revascularization in patients with severe atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta or a previous operation on the abdominal aorta.

Renal revascularization has been performed in six patients in whom severe atherosclerosis or previous operative procedures on the abdominal aorta precluded the performance of a standard aortorenal bypass graft. Splenorenal anastomoses were performed in three patients, superior mesenterorenal anastomosis in one patient, long saphenous vein iliorenal anastomosis in one patient, and renal autotransplantation in one patient. Successful renal revascularization with preservation of renal function was accomplished in all patients. The natural history of severe atherosclerotic renovascular disease has demonstrated the relatively frequent occurrence of arterial thrombosis and renal failure in patients with solitary kidneys. Occasionally, the presence of severe aortic disease precludes the use of standard aortorenal bypass grafting. Fortunately, as reported herein, alternate methods of revascularization are available whereby renovascular hypertension can be corrected and renal function preserved, with minimal operative risk.