Aneurysms of the renal artery and its branches.

During the last ten years, 29 aneurysms of the renal artery, observed in 20 patients were operated on. These cases represent 10% of the total number of renal vascularization procedures performed during the same period. Diagnosis was made most often during the workup for arterial hypertension (16 patients). There were 20 cases of sacciform aneurysms, eight cases of fusiform aneurysms, usually associated with stenotic lesions, and one case of dissecting aneurysm. Fibromuscular dysplasia was the principal etiological factor. A total of 22 kidneys were involved. Restoration was performed "in situ" in 15 cases (21 aneurysms), using aortorenal bypass in fusiform aneurysms and usually aneurysmorrhaphy for sacciform aneurysms. Six cases (seven aneurysms) were treated with "ex situ" surgery. Primary nephrectomy was performed in one patient. There was no operative mortality. Early occlusion occurred in two cases, resulting in secondary nephrectomy. During a mean follow-up period of 51 months, there were no secondary occlusions. Blood pressure control was obtained in 14 patients (87%). Surgical management is recommended for most renal artery aneurysms. Repair using "in situ" techniques is usually feasible and provides satisfactory long-lasting results in most cases.