From 1962 to 1978, 56 patients underwent transrenal endarterectomy as surgical treatment for renovascular hypertension. Over-all results were 39 per cent cured, 36 per cent improved, and 25 per cent failed. Criteria for selecting patients with atherosclerotic renal artery disease for surgical treatment are reviewed. Transrenal endarterectomy is a simple operation and should continue to be applied in the management of properly selected patients.