TRANSPLANTATION OF HORSESHOE KIDNEYS - A REPORT OF 4 CASES

Objective To increase the awareness of the successful use of horseshoe kidneys in renal transplantation. Patients and methods Two donors wer e found to have horseshoe kidneys; these were divided at the midline a nd transplanted into four recipients. Results All four recipients had a delayed return of renal function; all eventually functioned with no complications related to the horseshoe kidney. Conclusion Transplantat ion of horseshoe kidneys has been performed infrequently but they shou ld be considered as suitable for transplants, considering the shortage of cadaver donors and, when possible, should be divided at the isthmu s and the halves transplanted into two recipients.