Ischemia-reperfusion (IRI) injuries are common in renal transplantation and cause poor
patient outcomes. Ischemia occurs after the donor's death and reperfusion occurs after kidney
implantation. The donor kidney undergoes warm ischemia (WIT) after blood circulation stops
and cold ischemia (CIT) when subjected to cold storage during transportation. Decreased blood
flow leads to waste product accumulation and cellular damage. During reperfusion, reactive
oxygen radicals and inflammatory processes further damage the kidney. PDE5 inhibitors
increase renal blood flow and could protect the kidney during transplantation. Our study
assesses the utility of giving these drugs perioperatively to reduce the effects of IRI
injury.