The effect of renal revascularization on decreased glomerular filtration rate in patients with renovascular hypertension.

The effect of revascularization on decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was studied in 18 patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH) for a period of 5 to 74 months after operation. Renal artery stenosis (SRA) was present unilaterally in 3 patients, bilaterally in 13 patients, and in two patients with one kidney. Following surgical correction, the GFR increased or normalized in 6 patients, decreased in 2, and did not change in 10 patients. The blood pressure of almost 90% of the operated patients normalized or improved. The results support the assumption that severe hypertension is indicated for surgery, irrespective of the magnitude of GFR decrease. Revascularization effected a reversal of renal insufficiency only in a third of the patients.