Purpose: In transplantation medicine the superiority of Bretschneider's histidine tryptophan ketoglutarate solution has been demonstrated in various animal investigations and in donor organs under clinical conditions. Because of the wide use of ultrasound scans and computerized tomography there has been a sharp increase in the number of small renal tumors detected. Therefore, efficient protection methods designed to conserve kidney tissues are attracting growing attention.
Materials and methods: We report on 11 patients with space-occupying lesions involving a solitary kidney. All tumor resections were performed under continuous in situ perfusion with Bretschneider's solution. Even when dealing with extensive tumors involving the hilum, complete resection and reconstruction of the kidney in situ proved feasible.
Results: The mean cold ischemia time was 62.1 minutes (range 18 to 88) and mean Bretschneider's perfusion volume was 2,875 cc. The kidneys resumed excretion within an average of 16.8 minutes (range 0 to 60) and no patient required dialysis. Apart from temporary elevation of serum creatinine levels, postoperative renal function was unimpaired. There were no changes in serum electrolyte levels and no disorders of cardiac conduction. One kidney was lost postoperatively due to renal artery embolism.
Conclusions: Continuous in situ perfusion with Bretschneider's solution is a new and interesting method for patients undergoing partial nephrectomy. Particularly for locally extended tumors, this procedure is highly efficient for intrarenal surgery.