Renal transplantation in Singapore--a brief historical perspective

Renal transplantation in Singapore has been practised for the last 20 years. It was prompted by the extreme shortage of haemodialysis facilities in 1970. Because of the scarcity of cadaver kidneys, a living related programme was commenced in 1976. Since then, both programmes have run parallel. The renal transplantation programme has been influenced by such factors as importation of cadaver kidneys from abroad and living non-related transplantation programme in neighbouring countries. The great beneficial effects of Cyclosporin A (CyA), was evident in the results from 1986 onwards. It has been necessary to modify and expand the legislative rules to encourage and broaden kidney transplantation in Singapore.