Adult dual kidney transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We will discuss the selection criteria for the transplantation of two adult kidneys into one recipient, review the intermediate and long-term results of dual kidney transplantation, and evaluate its impact on the utilization of deceased donor kidneys. RECENT FINDINGS: Long-term results from early dual kidney transplantation are now available. The 10-year graft survival is approximately 50% versus 49% in single kidney transplant. Criteria used for selection of kidneys for dual transplantation, including donor age, laboratory results, medical history, preimplantation biopsy, and pulsatile preservation parameters will be discussed. SUMMARY: Transplanting two adult kidneys into one recipient is a strategy adopted by many transplant centers to increase the donor pool, optimize outcomes, and prevent wastage of a scarce resource. This review will discuss the selection criteria for dual kidney transplantation, recipient selection, techniques used for dual kidney transplantation, and short, intermediate and long term results. Dual kidney transplantation should be performed more commonly under the appropriate circumstances.