Variations in temperature of the donor kidney during cold ischemia time and subsequent assessment of reperfusion using the application of thermovision camera.

Cold ischemia time (CIT) and graft reperfusion events are important nonimmunological factors that influence kidney graft function. The optimal temperature for the organs during CIT ranges from 4°C to 8°C. However, preservation of the designated temperature is usually not controlled during standard storage procedures. Aspects of initial graft reperfusion are usually assessed indirectly. Better evaluation of the effectiveness of the early blood supply may improve the surgical outcome. The aim of the study was to monitor the temperature during CIT in the kidney and surrounding area and subsequently to assess graft reperfusion using thermography. Temperature values of the area surrounding the kidney were registered during 8 organ procurements. We observed that the area surrounding the kidney displayed the optimal temperature range only during the first 5 minutes of CIT; later the temperature oscillated between 1°C and 3.5°C. The study proved that the temperature of the preservation fluid is frequently below prescribed. Analysis of the thermograms of 40 transplanted kidneys with the use of a thermovision camera ThermaCAM SC500 showed usefulness of this method to assess reperfusion and blood distribution in the transplanted kidney.