Preservation of cadaveric renal allografts-comparison of flushing and pumping techniques.

A prospective clinical trial comparing flushing and ice storage using a new hypertonic citrate solution, with machine preservation by continuous perfusion showed early graft function was similar with each method, and preservation times were comparable. Good early function occurred in half the grafts with preservation times up to 24 hours. Graft survival at three and 12 months was similar with each method of preservation. Graft survival at 12 months was worsened by poor early graft function, whereas patient survival at 12 months was unaffected by early function or by the method of preservation.