Surgical refinement in porcine renal autotransplantation: flattening the learning curve in an established training program

Introduction - Complex animal models, such as the porcine renal autotransplantation (pRaTx) model, provide an excellent platform for translational research. The pRaTx model is challenging, offering many possibilities to refine surgical procedures and optimize learning curves and outcomes. In this st...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jiang, Decan (Author) , Ernst, Lisa (Author) , Liu, Wenjia (Author) , Schulz, Mareike (Author) , Bechtiger, Fabiola A. (Author) , Putri, Aghnia Jolanda (Author) , Lurje, Georg (Author) , Tolba, Rene H. (Author) , Czigány, Zoltán (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 30 June 2025
In: Journal of surgical research
Year: 2025, Volume: 312, Pages: 185-195
ISSN:1095-8673
DOI:10.1016/j.jss.2025.05.013
Online Access:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2025.05.013
Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022480425003002
Get full text
Author Notes:Decan Jiang, MD, Lisa Ernst, DVM, PhD, Wenjia Liu, MD, Mareike Schulz, BSc, Fabiola Bechtiger, MD, Aghnia J. Putri, MD, Georg Lurje, MD, Rene H. Tolba, MD, and Zoltan Czigany, MD, PhD,
Description
Summary:Introduction - Complex animal models, such as the porcine renal autotransplantation (pRaTx) model, provide an excellent platform for translational research. The pRaTx model is challenging, offering many possibilities to refine surgical procedures and optimize learning curves and outcomes. In this study, we described the critical initial steps toward flattening the learning curve in pRaTx. - Methods - We performed 51 consecutive cases of pRaTx in German landrace pigs divided between two teams, based on the experience level of the lead surgeon. Duration of all surgical steps, graft and recipient outcomes were monitored and specific pitfalls and possible refinement approaches were pointed out. - Results - Significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed between team-1/2 concerning warm-ischemia (28.0(24.0-34.5) versus 40.0(34.5-47.0) min) and anastomosis times (27.0(22.0-33.0) versus 38.0(33.0-44.0) min). Consequently, retention parameters were higher in the animals of team-2. Nevertheless, these differences did not manifest in “hard” clinical outcomes, such as vascular complications, survival. About 10 cases were required in both teams for a stable surgical performance. - Conclusions - As machine perfusion approaches and xenotransplantation are increasing in the spotlight of clinical interest, setting up a reliable and reproducible model for pRaTx is critical for translational research. As we could show, the pRaTx model requires an optimized team approach to refine the procedure.
Item Description:Gesehen am 08.12.2025
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1095-8673
DOI:10.1016/j.jss.2025.05.013