Extension of the Right Renal Vein in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Literature Review and Analysis at Our Center.

Introduction: The length of the right renal vein is a crucial vascular factor in kidney transplantation. Its shorter length compared to the left renal vein complicates venous anastomosis. The aim of this article is to review the literature on this topic and provide data from our experience.

Materials And Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted in PubMed using the keywords "kidney transplant," "deceased donor," "right kidney," and "renal vein extension." Three studies evaluating the feasibility and clinical outcomes of right renal vein extension in transplants were selected and analyzed. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of kidney transplants performed at Hospital Universitario Cruces in 2023 was carried out, focusing on cases where the technique of extending with a vena cava patch was used. Parameters such as surgical time, vascular complications, graft viability, and postoperative renal function were evaluated.

Results: The reviewed studies indicate that the extension of the right renal vein is safe and effective, facilitating surgery and reducing warm ischemia time as well as the incidence of complications such as renal artery kinking. The analysis of transplants at our center in 2023 showed similar results, with a simplified procedure and no increase in the risk of complications.

Conclusion: The extension of the right renal vein with a vena cava patch is an effective technique that does not increase morbidity or compromise graft viability, improving long-term clinical outcomes.