Autotransplantation for treating renovascular hypertension.

Autotransplantation is presented as a surgical technique for the repair of diseases of the renal artery causing hypertension. Investigation of patients with renovascular hypertension is reviewed stressing the importance of radiologic studies. The author discusses the results obtained in 31 patients who underwent renal autotransplantation. In his experience the procedure has proven to be particularly effective for repairing renal artery stenosis and in patients presenting with severe renovascular hypertension. Associated lesions of the renal artery requiring extensive reconstruction may be repaired with greater safety to both the patient and the kidney using this technique.