ePTFE Suture Is An Effective Tool For Vascular Anastomosis In Kidney Transplantation

We evaluated the impact of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) suture on perioperative outcomes in kidney transplantation and compared it to a standard polypropylene (PP) suture. Between January 2011 and December 2013, 130 consecutive kidney transplantations were analyzed. Group A (n = 92, 70.7%) refers to ePTFE suture, and B (n = 38, 29.3%) to PP suture. Group A showed a significantly lower operative time to complete the vascular anastomosis (minute, 35 ± 3 vs. 40 ± 7, P = .001) and lower mean blood loss (mL, 140 ± 75 vs. 180 ± 70, P = .002). Reoperation for bleeding or perirenal hematoma was never required. All blood transfusions were occurred in group B (0% vs. 7.3%, P = .039). Length of hospitalization did not differ between the two groups (days, 20 ± 5 vs. 19 ± 5; P = .840). All but 3 (97.7%) patients were available at a mean follow-up of 28.6 ± 9.2 months (range, 4-40). During the follow-up vascular complications including arterial stenosis, pseudoaneurysm or venous thrombosis were not observed in both group. In our experience, ePTFE was associated with reduced operative time of vascular reconstruction, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative need of transfusions and costs per procedure.