Renal artery clamping and left renal vein division during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract

Objectives. To determine whether renal artery clamping and division of the left renal vein affects renal function in the patients who undergo repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods. Between 1992 and 2000, 267 patients had open surgery for infrarenal AAA. Of these, 22 (8%) required temporary bilateral (15) or unilateral (7) renal artery clamping. 8 also had the left renal vein divided, three of which were reanastomosed. Results. Renal artery clamping and/or renal vein divisions did not affect the incidence of complications and long term renal failure. Conclusions. Clamping of the renal arteries and/or renal vein division during AAA surgery does not in itself compromise short or long term renal function.