Intraoperative Renal Artery Thrombosis of the Transplanted Kidney Secondary to Intimal Injury

Abstract

Vascular complications after renal transplantation are rare, however, they are serious surgical complications. Intimal tears in the renal arteries can result from iatrogenic injuries. These injuries can occur due to crushing injuries of the intima secondary to the use of improper vascular clamps, mishandling of the vessels, and use of traumatic infusion/perfusion needles or devices. It is important to recognize these intimal injuries so that corrective measures can be undertaken immediately and avoid vascular complications. We report a case of renal artery thrombosis secondary to intimal injury leading to intraoperative poor blood flow across the anastomosis which was promptly recognized and corrected leading to successful salvage of the transplanted kidney.