An abdominal midline incision (from the xiphoid process to the symphysis) was employed in nephrectomy . Before isolation of the left kidney, 2 mL of hydrochloride lignocaine (0.5%) was injected around the renal vessels to prevent the renal artery spasm produced by dissection. Then the peritoneum over the left kidney, vessels, and ureter was carefully divided, and the renal vessels and ureter were isolated along their full length. 26 G venous catheters were inserted into the proximal end of the renal artery and vein, which were fixed on the vessels. Immediately after the fixation of the catheters, the preservation fluid (4°C) was perfused into the left kidney through its artery until the fluid from the left renal vein became clear. Subsequently, the renal artery and the vein were clamped, divided, and ligated, and the kidney removed. The donor kidneys were preserved in cold preservation fluid (4°C).