The effect of infrarenal aortic reconstruction on glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow.

Compromised patients with aortic disease are vulnerable to various complications from aortic reconstruction. These complications are related to changes in systemic haemodynamics during aortic cross-clamping, which leads to cardiac stress and alteration in regional blood flow to different organs. One of the most important postoperative complications is renal failure which is associated with a high mortality rate. Circulatory alterations within the kidney must play a role in the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction that may follow infrarenal aortic cross-clamping and reconstruction. To study the effects of abdominal aortic reconstruction on renal function and perfusion, we measured prospectively the glomerular filtration rate (GFR, n = 59), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF, n = 38) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, n = 38) in patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic reconstruction. Radionuclide techniques were used. The three parameters were measured at three time points: preoperatively, postoperatively and 6 months after surgery. The LVEF was measured in order to reflect the patient's cardiac status and pre-renal perfusion. We also measured the three parameters in two control groups of patients: a group of patients undergoing major colonic surgery and a group of patients with arterial disease under conservative management. Six months after surgery the GFR had decreased in 67% of aortic reconstruction patients. Overall GFR in the aortic reconstruction group decreased by a mean of 9 ml min-1 (p = 0.007). This was associated with a decrease in the ERPF in 48.5% of patients. The mean decrease in ERPF in the aortic reconstruction group was 74 ml min-1 (p = 0.05). The LVEF was unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

影响腹腔镜下保留肾单位术后肾功能的多因素分析

目的 探讨影响腹腔镜下保留.肾单位手术术后肾功能的因素. 方法 前瞻性总结50例肾癌腹腔镜下保留肾单位手术患者临床资料.采用99 Tcm-二乙三胺五乙酸肾动态显像检测术前术后分肾肾小球滤过率(GFR)值的变化.采用相关和多元回归模型分析与术后.肾功能损害有关的因素,包括患者年龄、肿瘤大小、术前血肌酐值、术中肾血管阻断时间及术中出血量,确定影响术后肾功能的危险因素.随访其中20例,比较术前、术后1周及术后3个月 GFR值,明确肾脏热缺血安全时间;同时观察肾功能恢复情况. 结果 50例患者手术前后GFR平均值分别为(45.86土5.14)、(34.52+5.89)ml/min,术后减少约24%.多元回归分析显示肾血管阻断致肾脏热缺血时间长短是决定术后肾功能损害的独立危险因素.肾脏热缺血时间≤30 min和＞30 rain组,术前术后1周的GFR值分别为(45.38±6.19)和(38.54土5.18)、(46.11±4.62)和(32.51士6.26)ml/min,前者GFR值降低程度低于后者,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01)}随访观察20例患者,肾脏热缺血时间≤30 min组术后3个月GFR值(44.38+5.59)ml/min,与术前相比,P＞0.05,差异无统计学意义;年龄＞70岁、肾脏热缺血时间＞30 min或肾脏热缺血时间＞60 rain的患者术后3个月GFR值恢复缓慢.结论影响腹腔镜下保留肾单位术后肾功能的关键因素为肾脏热缺血时间,肾脏热缺血时间≤30min者术后肾功能可以完全恢复;肾脏热缺血时间＞30 min且年龄＞70岁或肾脏热缺血时间＞60min者术后肾功能有一定程度的损害.     

Suprarenal fixation of endograft in abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment: focus on renal function

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to evaluate any variation of renal function detected by renal scintigraphy after the suprarenal fixation of endografts for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: In the few articles that have considered this problem, renal function was evaluated only by biochemical tests, which are inadequate in demonstrating small changes in renal function and in appreciating the worsening of a single kidney's function. METHODS: Between April 1999 and May 2002, 47 patients with an inappropriate infrarenal proximal neck had a suprarenal fixation for AAA. To assess renal function, a technetium-99m diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (TC-DTPA) perfusion scintigraphy was performed preoperatively on the third postoperative day and at 6, 12 months, and then yearly thereafter. Worsening of renal function was defined as a decrease of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) > or =20% (detected with Gates method). Serum creatinine level was tested preoperatively and at the first and third postoperative day. RESULTS: Endograft deployment was technically successful in 44 patients (93.6%); clinical perioperative success was obtained in 46 patients (97.8%). In 12 patients (25.5%), a permanent reduction of the GFR was observed using postoperative TC-DTPA perfusion scintigraphy. By 99m TC-DTPA perfusion scintigraphy, a permanent reduction of GFR was observed postoperatively in 12 patients. A slight GFR reduction (<20%) was present in 7 (14.9%) patients, due to the planned occlusion of accessory renal arteries. A more significant GFR reduction (>20%) was present unexpectedly in 5 (10.6%) patients, in 3 of these a single kidney was involved, in 5 both with an increase of the serum creatinine level >20%. CONCLUSIONS: Suprarenal fixation of endografts in AAA treatment is a safe procedure with good early and midterm procedural results and a risk of GFR impairment (>20%) of 10.6%.     

Prevention of renal impairment following aortic cross-clamping by manipulation of the endogenous renal nitric oxide response.

OBJECTIVE: Infrarenal aortic cross-clamp-induced lower torso ischaemia-reperfusion injury is associated with impairment of glomerular filtration rate and upregulation of endogenous renal nitric oxide production. The aim of this study was to investigate whether manipulation of the endogenous renal nitric oxide response can ameliorate subsequent renal injury. METHODS: Groups of male Wistar rats (n = 6) were treated with one of the following agents before being subjected to 60 min of infrarenal aortic cross-clamping: saline (control), L-NMMA (a pan nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), 1400W (a highly selective iNOS inhibitor), hydrocortisone (an inhibitor of the systemic inflammatory response), L-arginine (the substrate for nitric oxide synthase) and NOC-18 (a nitric oxide donor). Animals were recovered after a left nephrectomy. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the remaining kidney was measured on the second and seventh postoperative day using a 99Tc DPTA clearance technique as an index of renal injury. RESULTS: Animals treated with L-NMMA prior to aortic cross-clamping had a significantly impaired GFR compared to controls on the second (p<0. 01, Mann-Whitney U -test) and seventh (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U -test) postoperative day. Hydrocortisone and 1400W had no significant effect on GFR on the second or seventh postoperative day. L-arginine and NOC-18 had no influence on GFR on the second postoperative day but significantly improved GFR on the seventh postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the endogenous nitric oxide response protects the kidneys from ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Manipulation of the renal nitric oxide response may have therapeutic benefits to patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair by preventing acute renal failure.     

Suprarenal aortic cross-clamping and renal function

Renal failure occurs in 1-13% of abdominal aortic reconstructions. In our survey of 81 abdominal aortic aneurysms, out of 100 abdominal aortic operations, suprarenal cross-clamping was necessary in 4 cases, with 1 transient postoperative dialysis, followed by a fully restored renal function in 19th postoperative day. Among the cases with infrarenal aortic cross-clamping, one patient died owing to colonic infarction, another patient presented progressive and persistent renal damage. From our experience, literature results and knowledge about renal physiopathology, it must be stressed that during and after abdominal aortic operations not only the manouvres of supra or infrarenal aortic clamping, but also concomitant cardiac diseases, the share of body fluids, and consequent hydroelectrolytic changes could affect the renal function. All these factors, and not only the technical aspects, should be considered with the aim of doing a correct prevention of the postoperative renal failure.     

超声造影定量技术与核医学肾图评价肾功能不全的相关研究

目的 评价超声造影定量参数在检测慢性肾功能不全中的应用价值。 方法 以99mTc-DTPA肾动态核素显像检查测得肾小球滤过率（GFR）为标准。以33例临床确诊慢性肾功能不全患者为对象,其中男15例,女18例,平均年龄（43.33±6.78）岁。用PHILIPS iU22超声仪器对所有患者双肾皮质进行实时灰阶超声造影灌注成像,超声造影剂为SonoVue,每侧肾脏使用剂量为1 ml。用QLAB图像分析软件计算感兴趣区域内造影剂回声信号的强度,生成时间-放射性核素强度曲线（TIC）,得到超声造影灌注参数。静脉团注148~222 MBq的99mTc-DTPA后即刻进行肾动态显像,计算双肾GFR。将各个超声造影定量灌注参数值分别与肾动态显像所得GFR值作相关性分析。 结果 慢性肾功能不全患者99mTc-DTPA肾动态显像测得GFR 与超声造影定量参数中的曲线下面积( AUC)、曲线上升支斜率（A）呈正相关,rAUC=0.886（P < 0.05）,rA=0.804（P < 0.05）;而与曲线达峰强度绝对值（DPI）、达峰时间（TTP）、曲线下降支斜率（α）无相关,rDPI=0.021（P > 0.05）,rTTP=0.043（P > 0.05）,rα=0.039（P > 0.05）。 结论 部分超声造影灌注定量参数能反映慢性肾功能不全肾皮质血流灌注改变,与核医学肾图测得的GFR有很好的相关性。     

Simultaneous reconstruction of infrarenal abdominal aorta and renal arteries

From 1980 to 1990, 48 (4.7%) of 1,002 patients underwent elective aortic reconstruction and simultaneous renal artery reconstruction. Forty-five men and three women (mean age: 66.5 years) had 59 renal artery lesions (51 stenoses, six occlusions, one dysplasia, and one aneurysm) associated with 20 infrarenal aortic aneurysms and 28 aortoiliac occlusive lesions. One nephrectomy and 58 renal artery reconstructions were performed (35 prosthetic bypasses, 11 vein bypasses, six direct reimplantations, five transaortic endarterectomies, and one resection of an intrahilar aneurysm followed by autotransplantation). Operation was always indicated for the aortic lesions. Indication for renal artery repair was hypertension in 33 cases (17 associated with renal insufficiency) and one with isolated renal insufficiency. In the remaining 14 cases, surgery was deemed preventive. One patient died (2%). There were 12 nonfatal complications two of which were kidney failures requiring chronic extrarenal epuration. Routine follow-up arteriograms showed four postoperative renal artery occlusions. Mean follow-up was 35.8 months. Four patients were lost to follow-up; 10 died secondarily. Five year survival was 72.1±19.1%. Secondary patency of renal artery reconstruction was 89.5±9.4% at five years. Late results were favorable in 45% of patients with hypertension and in 39% of patients with renal insufficiency. Mortality in simultaneous aortic and renal artery reconstruction is not superior to that of isolated infrarenal aortic surgery.Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Société de Chirurgie Vasculaire de Langue Française, June 21–22, 1991, Marseille, France.     

Glomerular filtration rate after left renal vein division and reconstruction during infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVES: The study assessed the effect on postoperative renal function of left renal vein (LRV) division and reconstruction by direct reanastomosis or graft interposition during infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. METHODS: Between January 2001 and March 2006, 1189 patients underwent elective open repair of infrarenal AAAs. LRV division was performed in 15 (1.3%) and its reconstruction in all but one (LRV group), where the LRV was occluded. Patients' glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) were retrospectively estimated through postoperative day 4 by using the Cockcroft-Gault equation and compared with the GFRs of 56 controls undergoing AAA repair without LRV division (control group) randomly identified from a prospectively compiled database in a 4:1 ratio. Post hoc 1:1 case-matched analysis was also performed. Statistical analyses were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: Comparison of demographics and risk factors revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups with the exception of the following: AAAs were larger in LRV group (71.4 +/- 17.1 mm vs 56.0 +/- 14.6 mm; P = .003) and preoperative GFR was lower in LRV group (65.3 +/- 19.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2) vs 82.8 +/- 22.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2); P = .009). Postoperatively, the trend of GFR with time did not differ between groups (P = .33). The variation of GFR at day 4 after surgery compared with preoperative values was not different either (5.6 +/- 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2) vs 1.0 +/- 15.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2); P = .67). A further 1:1 case-matched multivariate analysis of variance, matching patients and controls by AAA size and preoperative GFR, showed no difference in trend of GFR with time between groups (P = .15). Operative time was not significantly longer in LRV group (148.4 +/- 35.8 minutes vs 131.0 +/- 40.3 minutes; P = .07). No differences between groups were found for blood loss (585.7 +/- 264.2 mL vs 567.7 +/- 222.5 mL; P = .88), perioperative complications (5 vs 8; P = .12), or hospital length of stay (6.2 +/- 1.8 days vs 5.5 +/- 1.2 days; P = .10). A 6-month follow-up of renal function available in 12 patients of LRV group showed no significant decrease in GFR compared with postoperative values (70.8 +/- 24.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2) vs 69.1 +/- 23.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2); P = .86). At duplex scan, the reconstructed LRV could be insonated in nine of these 12 patients and all were patent. CONCLUSIONS: LRV division during AAA repair was associated with larger aneurysms and preoperative subclinical renal function impairment. In these patients, LRV reconstruction was associated with the maintenance of preoperative renal functional status without significantly lengthening of operative time or increasing the complications from surgery.     

Transaortic endarterectomy of renal visceral artery lesions in association with infrarenal aortic surgery

The complexity of infrarenal aortic reconstruction increases when bypass grafts to revascularize associated renal and visceral arteries are needed. Lesions in these vessels, however, are usually limited to their aortic orifices and therefore are amenable to retroperitoneal transaortic endarterectomy. A combined infrarenal aortic reconstruction and transaortic endarterectomy of the renal/visceral vessels was used in 18 (16%) of 120 patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic reconstruction over a 2-year-period. Transaortic endarterectomy was performed primarily for renal preservation in 11 patients with bilateral, high-grade renal artery stenoses and abnormal renal function (serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.9 mg/dl). In seven patients transaortic endarterectomy was performed as a secondary procedure during the course of complex reconstruction of aneurysmal or occlusive aortic disease. Mean serum creatinine, which was elevated preoperatively in 14 (78%) patients (3.3 mg/dl), decreased significantly after the operation (2.0 mg/dl, p less than 0.01). A single death occurred in the 18 patients undergoing transaortic endarterectomy. Renal function preservation can be achieved by renal revascularization in patients with bilateral renal artery stenoses and decreased renal function. The retroperitoneal approach to aortic reconstruction and the use of transaortic endarterectomy allows correction of most renal/visceral vessel involvement in complex aortic revascularization procedures.     

Supraceliac aortomesenteric bypass for intestinal ischemia

The supraceliac aorta has received little attention as an inflow site of bypass graft origin for mesenteric arterial reconstruction; this article describes our experience with its use in 10 patients. Ten patients underwent bypass grafts (three vein and seven prosthetic grafts) from the supraceliac aorta incorporating the celiac axis to the superior mesenteric artery. All patients had two- or three-vessel mesenteric arterial occlusion. No operative deaths occurred. Nine patients were studied with postoperative arteriography. Nine of ten patients have had satisfactory results on follow-up from 5 to 99 months (mean 43 months), although two patients required operative revision to achieve this. The operative technique is described, including approach to the aorta in the lower mediastinum via upper abdominal exposure and pancreatic displacement to expose the superior mesenteric artery. This method permits avoidance of the infrarenal aorta, if desired because of atherosclerotic disease or previous operation. Antegrade supraceliac aortomesenteric grafts avoid turbulence and compression of conventional "retrograde" bypass beneath the mesentery. We conclude that supraceliac aortic grafts provide a useful visceral artery reconstruction technique.     

Endogenous renal nitric oxide metabolism following experimental infrarenal aortic cross-clamp-induced ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic surgery is associated with marked changes in renal haemodynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of infrarenal cross-clamping on glomerular filtration rate and endogenous renal nitric oxide metabolism. METHODS: Groups of male Wistar rats were subjected to infrarenal aortic cross-clamping followed by reperfusion. Animals were allowed to recover after a left nephrectomy. The glomerular filtration rate of the remaining kidney was measured on the second and seventh day after the procedure before the animal was killed and the remaining kidney harvested. Total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) was determined in renal tissue following 1 h and 7 days of reperfusion. RESULTS: Glomerular filtration rate was impaired on the second and seventh day after operation in all animals subjected to lower torso ischaemia compared with controls (P < 0.05). Renal NOS activity was increased at 1 h and 7 days in animals subjected to infrarenal cross-clamping compared to controls (P < 0.01). iNOS was detected in renal tissue of animals subjected to infrarenal aortic cross-clamping on the seventh day after operation. CONCLUSION: Infrarenal aortic cross-clamping is associated with impairment of renal function in the early postoperative period. There is an increase in endogenous renal nitric oxide metabolism with iNOS expression. Presented in part to the Surgical Research Society, Dublin, Ireland, July 1998     

Comparative analysis of renal function after treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms with a suprarenal fixation device as opposed to open surgery

We analyzed the repercussions on renal function between suprarenal endograft fixation and open surgery in the treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) and determined the influential factors. Between 1999 and 2005, 59 IAAAs were treated with elective OS and 56 with SEF. The serum creatinine (Cr) level and its clearance were determined before the procedure, in the intensive care unit (ICU), on discharge, and after 1, 6, 12, and 24 months. A deterioration in renal function was considered to be a >30% increase in Cr or a Cr >2 mg/dL. A univariate statistical analysis and a logistical regression analysis were carried out to determine the predictive factors for repercussions on renal function. There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of renal exacerbation between the groups either on discharge (p = 0.52) or after 1 month (p = 0.483), 6 months (p = 0.451), 12 months (p = 0.457), and 24 months (p = 0.682). The only significant difference was that detected in the ICU (p = 0.033). Diabetes mellitus, time spent in the ICU, postoperative intubation time, intraoperative transfusion, and transfusion in the ICU were factors that influenced the deterioration of renal function in the univariate analysis. The only significant factor in the multivariate analysis was the need for transfusion in the ICU. Exacerbation of renal function occurred in both groups independently of treatment type. In the immediate postoperative period, hemodynamic deterioration is more frequent in the open surgery group. Renal exacerbation tended to disappear in both groups during follow-up.     

Renal artery clamping and left renal vein division during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether renal artery clamping and division of the left renal vein affects renal function in the patients who undergo repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Between 1992 and 2000, 267 patients had open surgery for infrarenal AAA. Of these, 22 (8%) required temporary bilateral (15) or unilateral (7) renal artery clamping. 8 also had the left renal vein divided, three of which were re-anastomosed. RESULTS: Renal artery clamping and/or renal vein divisions did not affect the incidence of complications and long term renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Clamping of the renal arteries and/or renal vein division during AAA surgery does not in itself compromise short or long term renal function.     

Age factor in compensatory hypertrophy of the kidney evaluated by 99mTc-DTPA renography

Unilateral nephrectomy initiates a growth response in the contralateral kidney to compensate for the loss of a renal mass. The events which regulate this process are not very clear. We used a newly developed method, 99mTc-DTPA gamma-camera renography, to evaluate the individual kidney function for detection of the change of it. This method is simple, reliable and requires neither blood nor urine samples. Two groups of rabbits were used in the study. Those of 1.5-2 months of age were taken as the young aged group and those of 2 years of age as the old aged group. Kidney weight, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were detected both before and 3 weeks after unilateral nephrectomy. After unilateral nephrectomy in both young and old age groups, the kidney weight increased by 119 and 38%, the GFR by 71 and 44%, and the ERPF by 116 and 35%. We conclude that nephrectomy at a young age where there is fast growth would cause the remaining kidney a compensatory hypertrophy which is much better than that in nephrectomy at an old age. The difference of glomerular filtration rate was less apparent than that of the kidney weight and renal plasma flow in both groups of rabbits.     

99mTc-DTPA肾动态显像检测肾小球滤过率的临床应用评价

目的 以^99mTc-DTPA血浆清除率为标准，评价^99mTc-DTPA肾动态显像检查在检测肾小球滤过率(GFR)中的应用价值。方法 选择慢性肾脏病患者197例，年龄均>18岁，诊断均符合美国NKF-K/DOQI关于慢性肾脏病定义。排除肾功能急性恶化因素、水肿、肢体缺如、心功能不全。记录身高、体重。肘静脉“弹丸”式注射^99mTc-DTPA 111 MBq后即刻行肾动态图像采集120 帧，计算双肾GFR，即Gates法，同时于注射后2、4 h各抽血4 ml，分离血浆1 ml，测量其放射性计数，计算99mTc-DTPA的血浆清除率(双血浆法)，所测数值均用体表面积标准化。按双血浆法所测得的GFR值将患者分成3组:A组 77例，GFR < 30 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1；B组 74例， 30 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1≤GFR < 90 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1；C组 46例，GFR≥90 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1。分别行肾动态显像法与双血浆法所测值之间的相关分析。 结果 肾动态显像法及双血浆法所测3组GFR[单位:ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1]分别为:A组 (27.08±12.14) 比 (17.68±5.66)；B组 (63.18±23.59) 比 (51.95±16.81)； C组 (107.28±27.36) 比 (117.96±24.17)。2者间的相关系数分别为rA=0.286(P=0.012)；rB=0.804(P < 0.01)；rC=0.473(P < 0.01)。结论 99mTc-DTPA肾动态显像检查适用于轻、中度肾功能不全患者GFR的评估，但在重度肾功能不全患者中，其测量结果的准确性有待进一步提高。     

Simultaneous aortic and renal artery reconstruction

Nine patients presenting with combined aortic and renal artery disease underwent simultaneous infrarenal aortic reconstruction and renal revascularization. Seven patients had aneurysmal and two had occlusive aortic disease in association with unilateral (four cases) or bilateral (five cases) atheromatous renal artery stenosis. The indications for renal revascularization were hypertension (n = 8) refractory to medical treatment or associated with renal functional impairment and chronic renal failure alone (n = 1). Five patients developed postoperative complications with one fatality. Eight patients were followed up for between 7 months and 4 years. Control of blood pressure had improved in six of seven hypertensive patients. Serum creatinine levels were stabilized or had fallen in five patients. Simultaneous aortic and renal artery reconstruction is widely recognized as having a high postoperative morbidity rate but can improve control of hypertension and stabilize renal function in carefully selected patients.     

马蹄铁肾移植的外科策略探讨(附二例报告)

目的 为避免供肾浪费，探讨马蹄铁肾移植的可行性和安全性。方法 对尸体马蹄铁肾采取原位灌注、整块切取法获取供肾。将马蹄铁肾离断峡部后，分成2个供肾，分别植入2例受者。结果 肾移植术中开放血管后，移植肾血供正常。1例随访至今(12个月)，肾功能正常，未发现与马蹄铁肾有关的并发症；另1例在移植后1．5个月死于感染。结论 在一定的外科策略指导下，马蹄铁肾移植是可行和安全的。     

Early impact of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy on renal function as assessed by renal scintigraphy

To measure the early impact of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) on renal function as assessed by renal scan (Tc 99m-DTPA), addressing the issue of risk factors for ischemic damage to the kidney. All patients undergoing RAPN for cT1 renal masses between June 2013 and May 2014 were included in this prospective study. Renal function as expressed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was assessed by Technetium 99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Tc 99m-DTPA) renal scan preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 month in every patient. A multivariable analysis was used for the determination of independent factors predictive of GFR decrease of the operated kidney. Overall, 32 patients underwent RAPN in the time interval. Median tumor size, blood loss, and ischemia time were 4 cm, 200 mL, and 24 min, respectively. Two grade III complications occurred (postoperative bleeding in the renal fossa, urinoma). The GFR of the operated kidney decreased significantly from 51.7 ± 15.1 mL/min per 1.73 m² preoperatively to 40, 12 ± 12.4 mL/min per 1.73 m² 1 month postoperatively (p = 0.001) with a decrease of 22.4 %. On multivariable analysis, only tumor size (p = 0.05) was a predictor of GFR decrease of the operated kidney. Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy had a detectable impact on early renal function in a series of relatively large tumors and prevailing intermediate nephrometric risk. A mean decrease of 22 % of GFR as assessed by renal scan in the operated kidney was found at 1 month postoperatively. In multivariable analysis, tumor size only was a significant predictor of renal function loss.     

The retroperitoneal, left flank approach to the supraceliac aorta for difficult and repeat aortic reconstructions.

Between 1986 and 1990, 11 patients with relative or absolute contraindications to standard infrarenal reconstructions underwent supraceliac aortofemoral bypass. The operation was performed through a left-flank incision extended into the eleventh intercostal space with retroperitoneal and extrapleural dissection. Indications included multiple failed infrarenal reconstructions in four patients, previous removal of infected aortofemoral bypass graft with failure of extra-anatomic bypass in five patients, prior para-aortic lymph node dissection and radiotherapy in one patient, and aortic aneurysmal disease proximal to the renal arteries in one patient. Bypass conduits included either a bifurcated Dacron graft or a tube graft to the left femoral artery with a femorofemoral cross-over graft; concomitant left renal artery reconstruction was performed in three patients. The mean supraceliac cross-clamp time was 24 minutes, and only one patient experienced transient postoperative acute tubular necrosis. There was no operative mortality. The graft limb patency was 95% after mean follow-up extending to 17 months (range: 5 months to 5 years). We conclude that the supraceliac aorta is a useful inflow source for aortofemoral reconstruction in difficult repeat cases. It can be approached easily without thoracotomy and avoids difficult infrarenal aortic dissection in a scarred field. The tunneling is easier than with descending thoracic aorta or ascending aorta inflow sources. In addition, this bypass is likely to be more durable than inflow reconstructions based on the axillary artery.     

Management of pararenal aneurysms of the abdominal aorta

The operative treatment of 77 patients with atherosclerotic aneurysms of the pararenal aorta (54 juxtarenal and 23 suprarenal) is analyzed. Repair of these complex lesions is formidable because of difficult exposure, renal ischemia and myocardial strain as a result of proximal aortic occlusion, and associated renal atherosclerosis with secondary renal functional impairment. Nineteen (25%) patients were normotensive with normal renal function. Sixteen patients (21%) had hypertension alone and 42 (54%) were hypertensive with abnormal renal function. There were multiple renal arteries in 22% of patients. Aortic reconstruction involved infrarenal graft in 27 patients (35%), infrarenal graft plus pararenal aortic endarterectomy (TEA) in 26 (34%), and infra- and pararenal aortic graft in 24 (31%). Twenty-two patients (30%) had normal renal arteries and therefore no renal reconstruction. Of the 55 patients who required combined aortic and renal artery repair, 24 required renal artery repair because of involvement of the renal arteries by the aneurysm and 31 because of atherosclerotic renal artery disease. TEA was the most common technique of renal artery repair (54 of 93 arteries, 58%), followed by reimplantation (18 arteries) and prosthetic graft (13). The perioperative mortality rate was 1.3%. The perioperative morbidity rate was 28% and consisted principally of renal insufficiency (23%). This was usually transient (44%) and (89%) mild. Renal morbidity was adversely affected by renal ischemia status, severity of renal artery disease and extent of renal revascularization. Following reconstruction, hypertension was cured or improved in 77% of patients and abnormal renal function was cured or improved in 46% and stabilized in an additional 39% of patients. These results show that combined aortic aneurysm repair and renal artery reconstruction can be performed with minimal mortality and an acceptable morbidity. Aggressive intraoperative monitoring is necessary to minimize myocardial complications. Careful attention must be paid to the technical details of the reconstruction, especially in minimizing renal ischemia, to reduce the subsequent incidence of renal function deterioration.