Midterm outcome of renal function after branched thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and impact of acute and chronic kidney dysfunction after branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (BEVAR) perioperatively and during follow-up.

Methods: Patients with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm were treated with BEVAR. Serum creatinine; estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline, after 48 hours, at discharge, and after 1 and two years; perioperative results; and outcome during follow-up were evaluated.

Results: Treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using BEVAR was performed in 113 patients (mean age, 71 years; 79 male) with 434 side branches and two additional fenestrations (0.46%) for renovisceral perfusion. Sixty patients (53%) underwent staged procedures with temporary aneurysm sac perfusion and secondary side branch completion. Perioperative mortality was 9 of 113 (8%). Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) was observed in 41 of 113 patients (36%) with recovery of renal function after 2 years in most patients. However, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage progression after 1 and 2 years was observed in 25 of 104 patients (24%) and 17 of 52 patients (32.7%), respectively. Seven patients (6.7%) required permanent dialysis during 2 years of follow-up. Risk factors for AKI were nonstaged procedures (P = .02) and multiorgan failure (P = .01). CKD progression was related to renal branch reinterventions (P = .047), all branch reinterventions (P = .03), and postoperative AKI (P = .001). During follow-up, survival was decreased in patients with AKI, especially in those with nonmalignant diseases (P = .01).

Conclusions: Postoperative AKI after BEVAR was observed in about one-third of patients associated with increased CKD stages after 2 years. Preoperative CKD was not a risk factor for postoperative AKI or perioperative outcome. The prevention of AKI by staged procedures, early interventions for renal side branch complications, and regular surveillance is recommended to improve outcomes.