Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: V6-04
Sources of Funding: None

Introduction

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) can be caused by a number of technical factors including vascular complications such as thrombosis and kinking. Retroperitoneal compartment syndrome (RACS) is an under-recognized vascular cause of EAD with potentially devastating consequences, and may even result in a lost graft. The graft can be salvaged with early recognition and intervention through a mesh hood fascial closure (MHFC) technique.

Methods

Here we describe, in video, a 23-years-old male recipient diagnosed with renal failure secondary to chronic reflux. He has a 6 months history of peritoneal dialysis and is currently on hemodialysis. The patient received an anonymous living-donor right kidney from our paired exchange program. His BMI is 22. The graft had a single renal artery and single renal vein. A standard anastomosis was performed and subsequent urine output was brisk. The fascia was closed without tension. However, urine production ceased after the fascia was fully closed. A case of RACS was suspected and intraoperative Doppler ultrasound showed no blood flow in the graft. Immediately re-exploration revealed the graft to be abnormal in color and turgor.

Results

These abnormalities resolved after pressure was relieved. The kidney was then placed in the optimal position within the iliac fossa and a large ellipsoid piece of polypropylene mesh was draped loosely and without tension over the graft. The mesh was attached to the posterior fascial edges using interrupted #1 polypropylene sutures. Skin closure then was completed over a closed suction drain placed in the retroperitoneal space lateral to the kidney. Doppler ultrasound after skin closure showed good flow and the postoperative course was unremarkable.

Conclusions

RACS could be associated with small android pelvis and lack of compliance in the retroperitoneal cavity secondary to peritoneal dialysis. Suspected RACS require prompt intervention to prevent irreversible graft dysfunction. We have shown that MHFC is an effective and safe method to treat EAD secondary to RACS.

Funding

None