Name of the Procedure:

Renal Autotransplantation, Kidney Reimplantation

Summary

Renal autotransplantation is a surgical procedure where one of the patient’s kidneys is removed and then transplanted into a different location within the body. This is done to improve kidney function or relieve symptoms caused by certain kidney-related issues.

Purpose

This procedure addresses severe or complex conditions affecting the kidneys, such as extensive kidney artery disease, ureteral disease, or chronic pain. The goals are to alleviate symptoms, improve blood flow to the kidney, enhance kidney function, and ultimately, improve the patient's quality of life.

Indications

Specific symptoms or conditions that might warrant renal autotransplantation include:

• Chronic severe pain due to ureteral obstruction or injury.
• Extensive renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the kidney arteries).
• Complex or recurrent kidney stones not amenable to other treatments.
• Aneurysms in the renal artery.
• Ureteral strictures or injuries that cannot be repaired through simpler surgeries.

Patient criteria or factors include:

• Good overall health to withstand major surgery.
• Adequate single kidney function if one kidney is removed.
• No active infections or severe chronic illnesses that could complicate surgery.

Preparation

• Fasting for 8 hours before the procedure.
• Specific instructions regarding medications, possibly stopping blood thinners or other drugs.
• Preoperative imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to map out the kidney's anatomy and plan the surgery.
• Blood tests to assess kidney function and overall health.
• Consultation with anesthesiologists and receiving consent for surgery.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is put under general anesthesia.
2. The surgical team makes an incision in the abdomen.
3. The affected kidney is carefully removed, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
4. The kidney is flushed with a preservation solution to preserve its function during the relocation.
5. The kidney is then reimplanted into a new location, typically the iliac fossa (pelvic region).
6. The renal artery, vein, and ureter are reconnected to appropriate blood vessels and the bladder.
7. The surgical site is closed with sutures.

Tools and equipment used include surgical scalpels, retractors, clamps, sutures, and preservation solutions. General anesthesia ensures the patient is asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity.

Setting

Renal autotransplantation is performed in a hospital operating room setting.

Personnel

• Lead surgeon (often a urologist or transplant surgeon)
• Surgical assistants
• Nurses and surgical technologists
• Anesthesiologist
• Postoperative care team

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or blood clots.
• Pain and discomfort.
• Rejection of the transplanted kidney (rare since it is the patient’s own kidney).

Possible complications:

• Blood vessel or ureteral damage.
• Leakage of urine or obstruction.
• Decreased kidney function or failure of the reimplanted kidney.
• Postoperative hernias.

Management involves close monitoring, antibiotics for infections, and possible additional surgeries if complications arise.

Benefits

• Relief from chronic pain.
• Improved kidney function and blood flow.
• Reduction of symptoms related to kidney arterial diseases or ureteral strictures.
• Potentially better quality of life shortly after recovery.

Recovery

• Hospital stay of about 7 to 14 days post-procedure.
• Pain management with medications.
• Gradual return to normal activities over 6 to 8 weeks.
• Restrictions on lifting heavy objects and strenuous activities.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function and healing.

Alternatives

• Percutaneous or endovascular procedures for artery issues.
• Ureteral stenting or reconstructive surgery for ureteral obstructions.
• Medical management and observation for less severe conditions.

Pros and cons compared to renal autotransplantation:

• Less invasive alternatives may have shorter recovery times but might not be as effective for severe conditions.
• Medications may manage symptoms but do not address the underlying issue.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and will not feel any pain. Postoperatively, they may experience discomfort and pain, which will be managed with medications. The surgical incision may cause some initial discomfort, and patients will need to follow care guidelines strictly to ensure proper healing and recovery.