[Cost of renal transplantation in Maracaibo, Venezuela]

The purpose of this study is to determine the cost of renal transplantation, for the institutions of the State and the patient, in Maracaibo, during the first year after the surgical procedure, and to relate it with clinical results (patient and graft survival) and social rehabilitation (employment or active performance). Real and estimated costs for surgery, in-hospital period, complementary tests, drugs utilized and other related expenses were added, allowing to establish a total cost for the first year from a minimum of 113,695,30 Bolivares to a maximum of 165,635,30 Bs. (medical fees excluded). The participation of the Venezuelan State in those costs varies, depending basically on the patient being under the Instituto Venezolano de los Seguros Sociales. Patient and graft survival in the renal transplantation program in Maracaibo is excellent and comparable to other countries. Employment among renal transplant patients is similar to the general population.