Time of extraction of deceased donor kidneys influences DGF

In a very interesting study with a novel observation, which is in press in the AJT, the authors present an analysis of the impact of the extraction time of kidney (the time from beginning of surgery with aortic cross clamping and perfusion/cooling of the kidneys to removal of kidneys and placing them in ice on the back table). Extraction times ranged from 14 to 123 minutes Prolonged extraction times do lead to an increased rate of delayed graft function and also a dramatic rise in primary non-function when the extraction time approached 120 minutes. This is an extremely important article, and the authors have revealed another important contribution to the incidence of delayed graft function and primary non-function of deceased donor kidneys, namely the extraction time.