A Comparative Analysis of Ray-Tech Sponge and Ice Bag Techniques in Kidney Transplantation

In order to preserve kidney from warm ischemia during graft implantation, on the back table, graft were prepared for implantation with standard techniques. The kidney was introduced into the bag which was filled with a small amount of ice and preservation fluid (Figure 1). After inplacement of the graft, a small hole was made near the hilum and the renal artery and vein were passed through the hole. A Kocher clamp was used to maintain the fluid and ice in place and as a handle. Also, a Hartman Mosquito Clamp was used to mark urether-side, and to maintain orientation.

On the back table, graft were prepared for implantation with standard techniques. A Raytech sponge is soaked in ice-cold preservative solution, and wrapped around the kidney and held with a clamp (Figure 2). Position and oriantation of the graft was done by direct vision of urether.