Patient self-referral for kidney transplantation

A total of 634 patients referred for transplantation was followed for up to 5 yrs, 149 being self-referred and 485 being referred by their physicians. The survival rates of those transplanted in both groups were compared to those not transplanted. The self-referred group increased their chances of receiving a transplant by 20% and did not increase their risk of mortality. These findings suggest that transplantation should be recommended to all patients with end-stage renal failure as the procedure of choice.