Practices and results of two years service from a single UK renal transplant center

Abstract

Introduction: End stage renal failure is a common condition requiring renal replacement therapy in the form of haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis as a short-term measure with renal transplantation as a more definitive treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the set up of a renal transplant unit in a developed country and compare its results with other centers of the world. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted to see the results of two years activities of a well known renal transplant unit in the United Kingdom. A description of the setup of a renal transplant unit has been made and its results have been discussed. Results: Of the total patients, who had transplants in the renal transplant unit in year 2006 and 2007, 209 were renal, 14 were simultaneous kidney pancreas and two were pancreas after kidney transplants. Our one year graft survival rate was 93%, delayed graft function was 15%, early rejection rate was 11% and mortality rate was 3% in one year follow up. Conclusions: To attain good results in renal transplantation surgery, a multi-disciplinary team approach is crucial. Our set up is an example where the results are comparable to published and unpublished data from other established units world-wide.