Renal transplantation. In adult patients with end stage polycystic kidney disease.

Seventeen adult patients with end stage polycystic kidney disease underwent renal transplantation. Two groups were identified: (1) those transplanted with retained polycystic kidneys, (2) those prepared with preliminary bilateral nephrectomy. Although there was a shockingly higher incidence in the mortality rate in the non-nephrectomized group, no specific cause could be identified. The results do indicate, however, that bilateral nephrectomy is essential in all patients with a history of pyelonephritis or gross hematuria. Substantial benefit from retained kidneys was noted only during the initial period of hemodialysis.