Our aim was to analyze the short-and long-term function of kidneys procured from non-heartbeating donors (NHBD) by means of three techniques: in situ perfusion (ISP), total body cooling (TBC) and normothermic recirculation (NR). (52 Yo) showed delayed graft function (DGF) and 9 (16 %) showed primary non function (PNF). The actuarial graft survival rate was 76.4 Yo at 1 year and 56 YO at 5 years. The patient survival rate was 89.3 YO at 5 years. Incidence of DGF and PNF was significantly lower in kidneys perfused with NR than those with ISP or TBC ( P < 0.01). Duration of DGF was shorter in kidneys obtained through TBC than in kidneys obtained with ISP (P < 0.05).In conclusion, NR reduces the incidence of DGF and may be considered the method of choice for kidney procurement from NHBD.

Our aim was to analyze the short- and long-term function of kidneys procured from non- heartbeating donors (NHBD) by means of three techniques: in situ perfusion (ISP), total body cooling (TBC) and normothermic recirculation (NR). Fifty-seven potential NHBD were included. Mean warm ischemia time was 68.9 +/- 35.6 min. Forty-four kidneys were obtained from donors perfused with ISP, 8 with TBC, and 8 with NR. Eighteen kidneys (32%) started functioning immediately, 29 (52%) showed delayed graft function (DGF) and 9 (16%) showed primary non function (PNF). The actuarial graft survival rate was 76.4% at 1 year and 56% at 5 years. The patient survival rate was 89.3% at 5 years. Incidence of DGF and PNF was significantly lower in kidneys perfused with NR than those with ISP or TBC (P < 0.01). Duration of DGF was shorter in kidneys obtained through TBC than in kidneys obtained with ISP (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NR reduces the incidence of DGF and may be considered the method of choice for kidney procurement from NHBD.

The use of a NR period before total body cooling improves survival of liver transplantation in NHBDs. Portal blood flow and pump blood flow measurements can predict the viability of the grafts.

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It is suggested that xanthine content in the donor is able to predict survival after transplantation. Xanthine is significantly involved in the hepatic lesion elicited by warm ischemia and subsequent ischemia-reperfusion associated to liver transplantation from a NHBD.