The Right Renal Vein Extension: Technical Review

Transplantation of the right kidney from cadaveric donors is more technically challenging than transplantation of the left kidney due to the shorter length of the right renal vein. Several techniques have been used to extend the right renal vein, but the paucity of data to guide evidence-based decisions mandates that the surgeon must approach each transplant on a case-by-case basis. It is generally agreed that extension of the right renal vein allows for an easier implantation. This paper provides a brief review of several techniques for right renal vein extension in deceased donors.