The Cadaveric Kidney in Clinical Transplantation

Abstract

(1) Forty-eight kidney transplants obtained from 37 cadaveric donors between 13 and 82 years of age were analyzed with regard to influence of donor age, warm and cool ischemia time, onset of function and later course. (2) Short warm ischemic period was of importance for early onset of function. Function was obtained after warm ischemic periods up to 60 minutes. (3) A simple perfusion technique with cool 5% Rheomacrodex solution was used and found effective to obtain a bloodless and cool state of the organ. (4) Cool ischemic period up to 7 hours was compatible with function and did not delay the onset of function. (5) Our method of preservation enabled kidneys to be transported from distant hospitals.