Name of the Procedure:

Backbench Standard Preparation of Living Donor Renal Allograft (Open or Laparoscopic)

Summary

This procedure involves preparing a kidney from a living donor for transplantation into a recipient. It includes removing excess tissue, such as perinephric fat, and preparing the ureter, renal vein, and renal artery, which may involve ligating branches as necessary. This procedure can be done using open surgery or laparoscopic techniques.

Purpose

The main goal of this procedure is to prepare the donor kidney for successful transplantation into a recipient. This ensures that the organ is in optimal condition for the transplant, reduces the risk of complications, and improves the chance of the recipient's body accepting the new kidney.

Indications

• End-stage renal disease in the recipient.
• Chronic kidney failure.
• Cases where a living donor kidney is available and deemed the best option for the recipient.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Blood tests, imaging studies, and crossmatching tests to ensure compatibility.
• Adjustment of medications as directed by the physician.
• Pre-operative evaluations including physical exams and medical history reviews.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
2. Access: The kidney is retrieved from the donor using either open surgery (an incision in the abdomen) or laparoscopically (small incisions with camera assistance).
3. Dissection: The surgeon will carefully remove perinephric fat surrounding the kidney.
4. Preparation of Structures: The ureter, renal vein, and renal artery are meticulously prepared, ensuring that any branches are ligated as necessary. This is done to provide the best possible vascular supply and drainage for the transplanted kidney.
5. Assessment: The kidney is assessed to ensure it is viable and ready for transplantation.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on whether it is performed open or laparoscopically.

Setting

This procedure is conducted in a hospital setting, particularly in a surgical suite.

Personnel

• Surgeon (with expertise in renal transplantation)
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist
• Medical technicians

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to surrounding organs or structures
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Blood clot formation
• Delayed graft function or non-function of the kidney

Benefits

• Improved function and longevity of the transplanted kidney.
• Potentially reduced risk of complications post-transplant.
• Better overall outcomes for the recipient.

Recovery

• Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days post-procedure.
• Pain management will be provided with medications.
• Instructions will be given for wound care and activity restrictions.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function and overall health.

Alternatives

• Dialysis for renal failure management.
• Deceased donor renal transplantation.
• Conservative management if transplantation is not currently an option.

Pros and cons of alternatives:

• Dialysis: Life-sustaining but less effective in the long term.
• Deceased Donor Transplantation: May have longer wait times, possible rejection.
• Conservative Management: Non-invasive but not a long-term solution.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and will not feel or remember the surgery. After the procedure, there may be some discomfort and pain at the incision sites, which will be managed with medications. Full recovery might take several weeks, during which physical activities may be limited, and follow-up care is essential.