Horseshoe Kidney Transplantation: An Underpowered Source for Kidney Allografts, Review and Case Report

Transplantation of kidneys with anatomical variations like horseshoe kidneys is underused. Shortage of organs should make surgeons explore alternatives to using this type of allografts. A review of current literature, focused on the evaluation of these organs and surgical technique was performed. Our experience with two cases is presented, describing surgical technique and management of local complications. Results at long term follow-up are reported and compared with available series . Transplantation of horseshoe kidneys is technically feasible, with optimal results at follow-up. Evaluationof this kind of organs is necessary to increase the pool of kidneys available for transplantation. However, anatomic and surgical details should be considered and experienced transplantation teams must assume this type of surgery.