Successful renal revascularization after prolonged nonfunction

R. N. Gulbrandson, J. Al-Bermani and D. J. Gaspard

Surgical teaching has suggested that renal nonfunction of more than a few days' duration usually precludes success of revascularization procedures. The efficacy of delayed renal revascularization in selected cases has been reported. In this case, the intravenous pyelogram, renal scan, and ureteral catheterization verified nonfunction 30 days before surgical correction of essentially complete atheromatous occlusion of the renal artery. Postoperative studies conducted six weeks and 18 months postoperatively showed normal bilateral renal function. Current temporal limitations on attempts to preserve renal tissue may be too stringent. Revascularization of kidneys may be successful after prolonged periods of ischemia.