Continuous perfusion of human cadaveric kidneys for transplantation.

63 cadaveric kidneys have been preserved for up to 36 hours by continuous perfusion on a Gambro machine 52 kidneys were transplanted: 13 (25%) functioned immediately, 23 (44%) functioned after 2 to 28 days, and 16 (31%) failed to function. 11 kidneys with poor perfusion flow characteristics were discarded. Of 30 kidneys followed for more than 18 months, graft survival was 50%. Analysis of warm and cold ischaemia data, of perfusion flow rates and biochemical studies, and comparison of function of 18 pairs of kidneys only one of which was continuously perfused, suggests that this method of preservation effectively extends the preservation time to 36 hours, but does not improve the immediate function and non-function rates, and does not provide an accurate assessment of viability.