Mean Preoperative Serum Creatinine Level Research Articles

Renal autotransplant for major ureteric loss: Results from median 11 years of follow-up.

Renal autotransplant (RA) is an underutilized procedure to treat major ureteric loss. Studies on long-term outcomes and follow-up after RA are scarce. This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes and follow-up after RA. We identified 9 patients, from 2007 to 2019, who underwent RA after major ureteric loss (where direct restoration of continuity was not possible). We collected data regarding the etiology of ureteric loss, preoperative differential renal function, method of nephrectomy (laparoscopic or open), method of anastomosing the residual ureter/pelvis to the bladder, postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and renal function and drainage postoperatively and until the last follow-up. Changes in renal function and/or any obstruction to urinary drainage of the ipsilateral kidney postoperatively or during follow-up were measured. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used to compare the mean creatinine values preoperatively, postoperatively, and at last follow-up (p<0.05 was considered statistically significant). All the patients had uneventful intraoperative and postoperative periods. The mean hospital stay was 6.4 (5-8) days. The median follow-up was 132 (46-156) months. The mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 1.0 (0.7-1.7) mg/dL. The mean creatinine value postoperatively and at last follow-up had no significant difference with preoperative value (p=0.96 and 0.75, respectively). The postoperative diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid scan demonstrated good perfusion and drainage. There was no deterioration of renal function or drainage during the follow-up. RA is an excellent modality to treat major ureteric loss. It preserves renal function and avoids the problems related to bowel interposition and the need for long-term follow-up.

P0627INTRAOPERATIVE DIALYSIS DURING LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IS SAFE AND BENEFICIAL

Abstract Background and Aims Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLt) is a technically complex surgical procedure associated with a major risk of hemodynamic instability and metabolic derangement, especially in patients with coexisting renal dysfunction. It remains uncertain if intraoperative renal replacement therapy (ioRRT) during OLt could be beneficial and in which subset of patients. Method A retrospective observational study of all adult patients undergoing intraoperative renal replacement therapy during OLt in our center from January 2010 till December 2018. IoRRT consisted of dialysis performed with the use of mobile Genius® single-pass batch dialysis system. Results 1319 OLts were conducted during the study period and 129 patients (9,8%) were treated with intraoperative dialysis. Seven patients with incomplete documentation were excluded from the study. The mean age of the cohort was 47,8±14,7 years, and 73 (60%) of patients were men. The mean calculated MELD score was 33,7±12,5. 41 procedures (33,6%) were retransplantations and 7 patients underwent simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation. 18 (14,7%) recipients had fulminant liver failure. 66 (54,1%) of patients were admitted to Intensive Care Unit before transplantation. The mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 2,95±1,15 mg/dl and 95 (78%) patients were undergoing renal replacement therapy or had creatinine level ≥2 mg/dl preoperatively. Others required emergent ioRRT due to intraoperative complications and development of significant hyperkalemia or acidosis. The mean preoperative serum potassium concentration was 4,23±0,68 mmol/l and the mean bicarbonate level was 19,8±4,5 mmol/l. Intraoperative dialysis was performed without anticoagulation. The mean surgical time was 400±90,6 minutes and the mean ioRRT duration remained 308 ±109 minutes. Dialysis circuit clotting occurred in 9 (7,3%) cases. There were no other adverse events of ioRRT. Achieved mean arterial bicarbonate and potassium levels after graft reperfusion were 18,5±3,6 and 3,8±0,95 mmol/l, respectively. In 111 cases dialysis was initiated at least 15 minutes before reperfusion. 13% of this subgroup (16 pts) experienced post-reperfusion syndrome (defined as a decrease in the mean arterial pressure of more than 30% of the baseline, occurring within first 5 minutes after the reperfusion of the graft and lasting at least 1 minute). Conclusion Our data suggests that intraoperative dialysis in severely ill patients with high MELD score is safe and effective. Lower than expected post-reperfusion syndrome occurrence needs to be confirmed in a study designed with appropriate control group.

Radiofrequency endometrial ablation for treating heavy menstrual bleeding in women with chronic renal failure

Objective: The study objective was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency endometrial ablation in treating heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with chronic renal failure (CRF).Method: Fifty-eight patients with CRF undergoing radiofrequency endometrial ablation in our hospital between January 2013 and July 2017 and for whom complete follow-up data were available were included. Outcome measures included amenorrhea, treatment failure and operative complications.Results: The mean patient age was 41.4 ± 7.7 years, the mean preoperative hemoglobin level was 69.6 ± 19.3 g/dL, the mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 879.1 ± 415.4 µmol/L, and the mean urea level was 18.2 ± 7.1 mmol/L. The mean treatment time for radiofrequency endometrial ablation was 61.7 ± 18.8 s. The median volume of estimated blood loss during the procedure was 10 mL (a range of 2–50 mL). On average, the study subjects were monitored for 24.4 months (a range of 6–60 months). The average amenorrhea rate was 89.7%. Only 2 (3.4%) patients required additional gynecologic surgery after endometrial ablation. Intra- and postoperative complications were not observed.Conclusion: Radiofrequency endometrial ablation was demonstrated to be safe and effective for the treatment of HMB in women with CRF.

Preoperative scoring systems used in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1-T2 renal tumors

Introduction. P.A.D.U.A. (The preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomic), R.E.N.A.L. (radius exophytic/endophytic nearness anterior/posterior location) and zonal NePhRO scoring were developed in an effort to predict the intraoperative (warm time ischemia, blood loss) and postoperative complications in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy, with an important role on surgical decision-making (2-4). Materials and methods. Between January 2014 and July 2017, 37 patients(p) underwent retroperitoneoscopic nephro-sparing surgery at our center for clinically localized renal tumor. All patients had a normal contralateral kidney. The selection of patients for nephro-sparing surgery was based on preoperative CT scan, location of the tumor, the individual general health status of the patient and individual surgeon preferences. A chart review was carried out, including age, sex, anatomic preoperative scoring system (P.A.D.U.A., R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry and zonal NePhRO), operative time (skin opening to skin closing), estimated blood loss (EBL), warm ischemia time (WIT), hospital stay. Results. The mean age of patients with partial nephrectomy was 54.3±9.1 years. Mean preoperative serum creatinine level for the patient group was 0.97±0.14 mg/dl. All patients had normal contralateral kidney. Average tumor diameter in this group was 3.6± 0.86 cm. When using P.A.D.U.A. score to predict warm time ischemia p value was of 0.001, even if the mean warm ischemia time is higher in medium risk patients than in high risk patients 24.3 min vs. 23.2 min. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was able to predict the warm ischemia time according to the risk groups (17.6 vs. 23.9 vs. 31 min) with a p value under 0.001. Zonal NePhRO score was statistically correlated with total operative time, blood loss, warm ischemia and renal function decrease, all with a p value &lt; 0.05. Conclusion. P.A.D.U.A. score, R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score and Zonal NePhRO score have proved to be reliable preoperative tools in order to evaluate surgical complexity and to predict outcomes such as warm time ischemia, blood loss, postoperative estimated GFR and complications rate.

Outcomes of mini-flank incision for open partial nephrectomy for stage T1b renal tumor

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of mini-flank incision for open partial nephrectomy for stage T1b renal tumor. Methods: The data of patients with stage T1b renal tumor who underwent mini-flank incision for open partial nephrectomy between January 2010 to September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) was performed through mini-flank supra-12th rib incision under general anesthesia. Results: A total of 47 patients(31 male and 16 female) were enrolled in our study. The median age was 40 years (range 22-67 years). The Zhongshan Score(ZS score) of renal tumors was 6 in 5 cases, 7 in 13 cases, 8 in 12 cases, 9 in 5 cases, 10 in 6 cases, 11 in 2 cases, 12 in 2 cases, 13 in 2 cases. The length of incision was from 7 cm to 9 cm, with an average of 8.1 cm. The operative time was from 70 min to 150 min, with an average of 96 min. The blood loss was from 50 ml to 600 ml, with an average of 135 ml. The warm ischemia time was from 20 min to 35 min, with an average of 28 min. All of the surgery margin were negative. One patient had fluid in surgical region and relieved after the drainage, and one patient had acute myocardial infarction. The hospital stay time was from 5 d to 14 d, with an average of 8 d. The pathological diagnosis included clear cell carcinoma in 37 cases, multilocular cystic renal carcinoma in 1 case, chromophobe cell tumor in 4 cases, and papillary carcinoma in 5 cases. The mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 87 μmol/L(48-150 μmol/L) and with a mean of 91 μmol/L(52-148 μmol/L) at 3 month follow-up after surgery, and there was no difference between the preoperative and postoperative period(P>0.05). A total of 45 out of 47 patients were followed up for 36 to 78 months, with an average of 60 months, and no one had recurrence or metastasis during follow-up. Conclusion: Mini-flank incision for open partial nephrectomy for renal tumor with stage T1b is safe and effective, which is worthy of promotion and application for small incision and quick recovery.

Ineffectiveness of remote ischemic renal preconditioning in a porcine solitary-kidney model.

Our study sought to demonstrate the effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (R-IPC) on renal function in a large animal (porcine) solitary-kidney model. Twelve pigs were assigned to two groups: Each underwent a right nephrectomy followed by a week of recovery. Group 1 (No-IPC) underwent left renal hilar clamping for 90 minutes. Group 2 underwent right and left iliac artery clamping for 10 minutes each (R-IPC), followed by left hilar clamping for 90 minutes. Serum creatinine was drawn for both groups before ischemia (preoperative), then at 6 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days after. Kidneys were harvested at 24 hours or 7 days for histologic analysis, and the degree of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) or lymphocyte invasion was quantified. Paired serum creatinine values were analyzed between time points. For Group 1, paired differences existed at 24 hours (P=0.008) but not at 3 days or 7 days. For Group 2, paired differences existed at 24 hours (P=0.006) but not at 3 days or 7 days. The mean preoperative serum creatinine level was similar between groups (P>0.05). The change in serum creatinine level was not significantly different between groups at any time point. Histologic analysis revealed rare evidence of ATN at 24 hours in Group 2, but not in Group 1. At 7 days, neither group showed ATN, and both showed 1-2+evidence of lymphocytic infiltrates. R-IPC in a solitary-kidney porcine model does not confer renal protection from warm ischemia either as evidenced by renal function measures or on histologic analysis.

Is Heparinization Necessary in the Early Postoperative Period of Renal Transplantation from Cadaveric Donors?

IntroductionVenous thromboemboli and bleeding are the complications that threaten the graft and patient's life in the early postoperative period after cadaveric renal transplantation. For this reason, heparin administration after renal transplantation should be administered carefully. The aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity for heparinization after cadaveric renal transplantation. MethodsBetween March 2009 and October 2010, we formed 2 study groups among 50 recipients who underwent either cadaveric (n = 25) or living donor transplantations (n = 25). We did not observe any risk factors for thromboembolism while group 1 did not undergo heparinization, group 2 received a prophylactic dose of low–molecular weight heparin for 1 week. Doppler ultrasonography (USG) was performed between postoperative 24–48 hours to examine the transplanted kidney vessels, and in one group 1 case for a bilateral lower extremity venous system examination. We were also compared postoperative thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, lymphorrhagia, and serum creatinine levels. ResultsThe female/male ratios in group 1 and 2 were 14/11 and 8/17 with mean ages of 36.7 (range, 17–51) and 35.9 (range, 17–59) years, respectively. The mean preoperative serum creatinine levels were 7.9 ± 2.9 mg/dL and 6.8 ± 2.4 mg/dL, and at postoperative week 1, they were 5.1 ± 4.3 mg/dL and 1.2 ± 0.5 mg/dL, respectively. We did not encounter any partial or total thrombus upon doppler USG studies for renal and lower extremity venous systems. No clinical symptoms of pulmonary emboli were detected in any patients. Only 1 subject group 2 experienced massive postoperative bleeding. ConclusionHerein, we have reported that, except for the patients with risk factors for venous thromboemboli, heparinization was not necessary in the early postoperative period and did not add benefits to outcomes of cadaveric renal transplant recipients.

Preemptive Living Donor Renal Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Renal transplantation is considered preemptive if it occurs before initiation of dialysis. In our experience and in the literature, preemptive transplantation has been shown not only to reduce the costs of renal replacement therapy but also to avoid the long-term adverse effects of dialysis. Preemptive renal transplantation therefore is associated with better survival of both the allograft and the recipient. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of preemptive renal transplantation experience at our center. Since 1985, 1385 renal transplantations have been performed at our center. We retrospectively analyzed the 16/1385 recipients (11 male, 5 female) of overall mean age of 28.5 +/- 15 years who underwent preemptive procedures. The causes of end-stage renal failure were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 5), vesicular ureteral reflux (n = 4), Berger disease (n = 2), polycystic renal disease (n = 2), and others (n = 3). Ten patients were adults, the remaining six, children. The mean creatinine clearance and plasma creatinine levels of the recipients before renal transplantation were 13.5 +/- 8.5 mL/min and 6.7 +/- 2.4 mg/dL, respectively. All renal transplantations were performed from living related donors. The mean preoperative serum creatinine levels, mean glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine clearance rates of the donors were 0.8 +/- 0.1 mg/dL, 61.6 +/- 6.5 mL/min, and 112.5 12 mL/min, respectively. Two episodes of acute cellular rejection and one of humoral rejection occurred during a mean follow-up of 48.7 +/- 14 months (range = 25-76 months). The two patients who experienced graft losses due to humoral rejection or chronic rejection were retransplanted 2 and 48 months thereafter, respectively. At this time all patients are alive with good renal function. In conclusion, our single-center results are promising for preemptive renal transplantation as the optimal, least-expensive mode of treatment for end-stage renal disease.

Single or Double Arteries in the Remnant Kidney After Donation: Influence on the Long-Term Outcome of the Donor

Background A kidney with a single artery is preferred for donation. We wondered how often the donor is left with double or triple arteries, and whether this has any implications for long-term kidney function. Methods The consecutive living donors from 1984 to 1988 were reevaluated for kidney function and outcome. Results In total, 154 donor nephrectomies were performed with an open anterior technique. Ninety-eight patients were left with a single artery to the remnant kidney and 56 (36%) with more than one. Six individuals were left with 3 arteries. The mean age at donation was 48 ± 12 years and mean age at reevaluation was 68 ± SD 12 years. In the group with a remnant single artery, the mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 87 ± 11 μmol/L, at 6 months it was 127 ± 20 μmol/L, and in 2007 it was 90 ± SD 23 μmol/L. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 67 ± 18 mL/min. Thirty-three percent of donors (19/58) had developed hypertension. Among the group with multiple remnant arteries, the mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 87 ± SD 11 μmol/L, at 6 months it was 131 ± 21 μmol/L, and in 2007 it was 100 ± 45 μmol/L. Estimated GFR was 64 ± 16) mL/min. Twenty-eight percent of the donors (10/36) had developed hypertension. Conclusions One third of kidney donors were left with double or triple arteries to the remnant kidney. The 20-year follow-up showed no significant difference in the renal function between the 2 groups.

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy with Clamping of the Renal Parenchyma: Initial Experience

ObjectivesPartial nephrectomy by laparoscopy offers patients conservative surgery and a mini-invasive approach; however, clamping of the renal pedicle and the induced warm ischaemia can damage the renal parenchyma. We present a technique of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with haemostasis obtained by clamping of the renal parenchyma. MethodsThe procedure was performed by an intraperitoneal or a retroperitoneal approach. After a working space is created by pneumodissection, Gerota’s fascia is incised and the kidney convexity is dissected. An endoscopic Satinsky clamp is inserted percutaneously through a 1-cm incision. The renal parenchyma is clamped and the tumour is excised in a bloodless field. The cut renal parenchyma is coated with biologic glue. ResultsFive patients with elective indications were operated. Mean age was 67.8 yr and mean tumour diameter 3.06cm. One lesion was located at the upper pole and four at the lower pole. Mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 10.9mg/l. Postoperative serum creatinine level was unchanged. Mean operative time was 238min. There was no conversion. Mean blood loss was 250ml; no transfusions were necessary. The collecting duct system was repaired in one patient. No complication was noticed. Resection margins were tumour free in all cases. Final pathologic examination revealed clear cell carcinoma in three cases and angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma in one case each. ConclusionLaparoscopic partial nephrectomy with clamping of the renal parenchyma can be performed in selected patients with peripherally placed tumours. The procedure avoids warm ischaemia of the normal parenchyma while allowing the surgeon to operate in an almost bloodless field. This initial experience in five patients should be validated in a larger series.

Predictors of Immediate Tracheal Extubation in the Operating Room After Liver Transplantation

Immediate postoperative extubation may reduce the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We evaluated the predictors of immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room (OR) in our patients by retrospectively reviewing data from all patients who underwent OLT between January 2004 and June 2006. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had undergone extubation in the OR (group 1 n = 52) or in the intensive care unit (ICU; group 2 n = 48). When compared with the patients in group 2, those in group 1 had lower mean preoperative serum creatinine levels (0.9 ± 1 vs 0.6 ± 0.3 mg/dL, P = .04) and intraoperative transfusion requirements (packed red blood cells, 35.5 ± 29.8 vs 25.6 ± 19.0 mL/kg; P = .05, and fresh frozen plasma, 33.1 ± 15.6 vs 25.7 ± 14.3 mL/kg; P = .01). The incidence of intraoperative hypotension and emergent OLT was significantly greater in group 2 than group 1 (33.3% vs 13.5%, P = .01 and 45.8% vs 21.2%, respectively, P = .009). On logistic regression analysis, only emergent OLT ( P = .009, odds ratio = 3.5) and intraoperative hypotension ( P = .018, odds ratio = 3.7) were significantly associated with a lower probability of immediate postoperative extubation in the OR. Our results suggested that hemodynamic stability and elective OLT were predictors of successful immediate tracheal extubation in the OR.

Partial nephrectomy for renal tumors using selective parenchymal clamping

To describe our experience with partial nephrectomy using selective parenchymal clamping for the treatment of renal tumors. Between 2003 and 2005, seven patients with solid renal tumors underwent partial nephrectomy with selective parenchymal clamping at our Institution. In five, the tumor was in the right kidney and in two the tumor was in the left. Only one patient had a tumor within a solitary kidney. The tumor was located in the upper pole in 2 patients and in the lower pole in 5. Partial nephrectomy was performed with the DeBakey aortic clamp without occlusion of renal vessels. Mean operative time was 236 min (range 175-298 min). Mean intraoperative blood loss was 485 ml with only one patient requiring blood transfusion. There were no major complications. Mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 0.74 mg/dl (range 0.58-1.26 mg/dl) and mean postoperative serum creatinine level was 0.81 mg/dl (range 0.69-1.21 mg/dl) with no patient requiring dialysis. Mean hospital postoperative stay was 5 days (range 4-7 days). Mean tumor size was 2.9 cm (range 1.3-4.0 cm). Pathologic analysis detected renal cell carcinoma in 5 patients, angiomyolipoma in 1 and fibrosis with chronic hemorrhage in 1, all with negative surgical margins. After a mean follow-up of 18 months (range 3-32 months), all patients are free of disease recurrence. Partial nephrectomy with selective parenchymal clamping allows resection of solid masses without damage to normal renal tissue, avoids the risk of renal failure and offers an excellent local cancer control.

Angiotensin II Receptor Subtypes in the Human Renal Cortex and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Selective antagonists were used to determine the presence of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor subtypes (ΑT1 and AT2) in normal human renal cortex and renal cell carcinoma. Normal and tumor tissues were obtained from fresh radical nephrectomy specimens in 7 patients. All patients had a patent renal artery, and the mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 1.1mg./dl. Tissues were snap frozen and sectioned (14μm.) for in vitro autoradiography, then incubated in 125I-Ang II (0.3nM.), with or without unlabeled Ang II or subtype selective antagonists (1nM. to 1μΜ.), rinsed, air dried and apposed to SB-5 X-ray film for 3 to 21 days. In normal renal tissue, low densities of diffuse 125I-Ang II binding sites were observed in cortical areas containing tubules. Higher densities of binding sites occurred over glomeruli and large cortical vessels. Specific binding ranged between 60 and 90% depending on the area as determined by displacement with excess unlabeled Ang II. Specific binding in large cortical vessels was displaced by the two AT2 selective antagonists PD123177 (1μΜ.) or CGP 42112A (0.01μΜ.), whereas these antagonists were less effective competitors for 125I-Ang II binding in glomeruli. In contrast, the AT1 selective antagonists, DuP 753 and L-158,809 (0.1 and .01μΜ., respectively), were potent competitors for glomerular, but not extraglomerular, cortical vessel binding. In the normal cortical tubulointerstitium, both ΑΤ1 and AT2 antagonists caused partial displacement of specific binding (55 ± 12% AT1, 39 ± 12% AT2). Low density 125I-Ang II binding was present in all tumors. Specific binding averaged 59 ± 10% as defined by displacement with unlabeled Ang II (1μΜ.). As in the normal tubulointerstitial area, each of the selective antagonists produced partial displacement of the specific binding (60 ± 12% AT1, 31 ± 8% AT2).In conclusion, AT1 receptors predominate in glomeruli, while AT2 binding sites predominate in large preglomerular vessels of the human renal cortex. In the normal tubulointerstitium and renal cell carcinoma, a 60%/40% mixture of AT1 to AT2 receptors exists. These findings provide a pharmacologic framework for the differential effects of Ang II receptor-mediated function in the human kidney.

The occluded renal artery: Durability of revascularization

Between 1970 and 1982, 50 patients (38 male and 12 female) underwent revascularization of 51 occluded renal arteries. Ages ranged from 8 to 71 years (mean 54.6 years). Occlusion was caused by atherosclerosis in 43 patients, fibromuscular dysplasia in three, chronic dissection in two, abdominal aortic coarctation in one, and neurofibromatosis in one. Contralateral renal artery occlusive disease occurred in 22 patients. Extrarenal atherosclerosis occurred in 44 patients. Mean preoperative serum creatinine level ranged from 0.5 to 8.4 mg/dl (mean 1.9 mg/dl). No patient required preoperative dialysis. Length of the involved kidney ranged from 8.4 to 14.5 cm (mean 11.5 cm). Indication for renal revascularization was hypertension in 49 patients and preservation of renal function in one. Renal artery bypass was performed in 36 patients, renal artery endarterectomy in six, transaortic endarterectomy in five, and reimplantation of the renal artery in three. Simultaneous revascularization of the contralateral renal artery was performed in 20 patients. There were three operative deaths. At hospital dismissal, hypertension had improved in 45 of 46 patients. Follow-up periods ranged from 4 months to 12 years (mean 50.2 months). Thirty-four patients remained normotensive, five still had less hypertension, and seven became worse. These data demonstrate that revascularization of an occluded renal artery can be effective in controlling hypertension and that this effect is durable in the majority of patients.

The occluded renal artery: durability of revascularization.

Between 1970 and 1982, 50 patients (38 male and 12 female) underwent revascularization of 51 occluded renal arteries. Ages ranged from 8 to 71 years (mean 54.6 years). Occlusion was caused by atherosclerosis in 43 patients, fibromuscular dysplasia in three, chronic dissection in two, abdominal aortic coarctation in one, and neurofibromatosis in one. Contralateral renal artery occlusive disease occurred in 22 patients. Extrarenal atherosclerosis occurred in 44 patients. Mean preoperative serum creatinine level ranged from 0.5 to 8.4 mg/dl (mean 1.9 mg/dl). No patient required preoperative dialysis. Length of the involved kidney ranged from 8.4 to 14.5 cm (mean 11.5 cm). Indication for renal revascularization was hypertension in 49 patients and preservation of renal function in one. Renal artery bypass was performed in 36 patients, renal artery endarterectomy in six, transaortic endarterectomy in five, and reimplantation of the renal artery in three. Simultaneous revascularization of the contralateral renal artery was performed in 20 patients. There were three operative deaths. At hospital dismissal, hypertension had improved in 45 of 46 patients. Follow-up periods ranged from 4 months to 12 years (mean 50.2 months). Thirty-four patients remained normotensive, five still had less hypertension, and seven became worse. These data demonstrate that revascularization of an occluded renal artery can be effective in controlling hypertension and that this effect is durable in the majority of patients.