[Kidney transplantation in the rat--heterotopic or orthotopic?].

Kidney transplantation in the rat is a model frequently used in transplantation research. The advantages and disadvantages of both the heterotopic and orthotopic approach were compared. The orthotopic model with end-to-end anastomoses of the renal vessels and nonsplinted end-to-end ureteric anastomosis was found to be superior to the heterotopic technique in respect of lower frequency of complications and short operation times. Orthotopic rat kidney transplantation is an optimum approach and further use is possible and necessary.