Computed tomographic angiography in the preoperative evaluation of potential renal transplant donors.

The preoperative screening of potential renal transplant donors has undergone a major evolution with the introduction of computed tomographic angiography. With computed tomographic angiography, the radiologist is able to provide the surgeon with precise and valuable preoperative details of renal arterial and venous anatomy. In addition, computed tomographic angiography provides valuable information regarding the renal parenchyma and adjacent organs. This helps reduce the risks and complications associated with transplant surgery and improves the chances of a successful outcome. Helical computed tomographic angiography is rapidly replacing intravenous urography and conventional angiography as the imaging modality of choice for evaluating renal donors.