Abstract: A method and associated surgical apparatus adapted to minimize the deterioration of kidney function incurred during transplantation by warm ischemia. A sling of non-wettable insulative material is employed by the surgical assistant to contain the harvested kidney. The sling conforms generally to the shape of the kidney. A suitably located aperture is provided so that arterial, venous and ureteral (anastomosis) linkages can be surgically performed while rewarming of the enclosed kidney is substantially inhibited.