*Purpose: To maximize the utilization of potential kidneys, improving perfusion and preservation technique is necessary. This article mainly investigated the safety and efficacy of retrograde machine perfusion of kidneys from deceased donor.

*Methods: Twenty-four kidneys were included and all grafts were preserved in the LifePort Kidney Transporter. Twelve donor kidneys received retrograde perfusion (RP) were selected as the RP group, and their counterparts received standard antegrade perfusion (AP group). Perfusion pressure, flow, resistance, immediate graft function status, urine output, and renal function in first month were compared

*Results: All recipients were followed up for one month. There was no primary non-function in both groups. No difference in the incidence of delayed graft function was found in both groups (3 in RP vs 2 in AP, p = 0.62). Both groups had comparable urine output, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, cystatin c, and blood urea nitrogen at any time point within 30 days. No wound infection and urinary fistula were observed in the two groups. Renal resistance in RP group remained stable during the perfusion. There was no difference in ultrasonic arterial resistance at one week between both groups. Patients in RP group with resistance < 0.4 had numerically better renal function than those with resistance ≥ 0.4.

*Conclusions: Kidneys receiving retrograde machine perfusion had comparable outcomes to those receiving antegrade perfusion, indicating this novel technique may be an effective and safe alternative for kidney preservation.

« Back to 2021 American Transplant Congress