Ex Vivo Surgery for Renal Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND: Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs), once considered rare, are being recognized with increasing frequency. The treatment of aneurysms of the first ramification of the main renal artery is still controversial. METHODS: From November 1984 to May 1992, we treated 8 patients with RAA at the first ramification. All the patients were treated with an ex vivo technique and autotransplantation. RESULTS: The results, evaluated with intravenous pyelogram and arteriography were satisfactory. No operative deaths and no complications were noted. CONCLUSION: We concluded that surgery with an ex vivo technique and autotransplantation is an excellent method of treating this type of lesion.