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Heterotopic Renal Autotransplantation in a Porcine Model: A Step-by-Step Protocol
Published on: February 21, 2016
Kidney transplantation in elderly patients.
Dean Markić1, Maksim Valencić, Romano Oguić
1Department of Urology, Rijeka University Hospital Center, Rijeka, Croatia. dean.markic@ri.htnet.hr
Collegium Antropologicum
|January 7, 2012
Summary
Kidney transplants from older donors to older recipients (age 65+) are feasible. While surgical complications are common, many elderly patients achieve good graft function, demonstrating the viability of the Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP).
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- The Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP) facilitates kidney transplantation for elderly recipients (>= 65 years) using organs from elderly donors (>= 65 years).
- Kidney transplantation in elderly populations presents unique challenges and considerations.
- A retrospective analysis of ESP patients at a single center was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of kidney transplantation within the Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP).
- To assess the complication rates and graft survival in elderly kidney recipients receiving organs from elderly donors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 11 kidney transplantations performed under the ESP at the center.
- Patients and donors were aged 65 years or older.
- Standard immunosuppressive protocols were administered, and outcomes were monitored.
Main Results:
- Seven out of eleven patients maintained good graft function.
- Surgical complications were frequent, including vascular issues, obstructions, bleeding, and wound complications.
- One rejection episode and delayed graft function in two patients were observed, with full recovery.
- Four kidneys were lost, and one patient died due to pneumonia.
Conclusions:
- Kidney transplantation for elderly recipients from elderly donors is a feasible procedure.
- The Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP) demonstrates potential, but requires careful management due to a higher incidence of surgical complications.
- Careful patient selection and post-operative monitoring are crucial for optimizing outcomes in this cohort.
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