The role of intraoperative heparin in cyclosporine treated cadaveric renal transplant recipients.

PURPOSE

We analyze the effect of intraoperative heparin in cadaveric renal transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined the records of 100 consecutive cadaveric transplant recipients who received 5,000 units of heparin at the time of vascular clamping (group 1), and compared the incidence of graft thrombosis and postoperative hemorrhagic complications to 100 consecutive cadaveric transplant recipients who did not receive heparin (group 2). The groups were similar in terms of donor age, sex, number of transplant recipients, sensitization, multiple vessels, delayed graft function and human leukocyte antigen mismatch. All patients received cyclosporine based triple therapy immunosuppression. All explanted grafts were examined histologically to rule out hyperacute rejection.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups. The overall incidence of graft thrombosis was 5% (6% in group 1 and 4% in group 2). There was a greater need for blood transfusion in group 1, with 25 patients requiring transfusion postoperatively versus 14 in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative heparin did not reduce the incidence of graft thrombosis in this retrospective study. It did increase the postoperative blood transfusion requirements. As a result of this analysis, we have abandoned its use.