Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Safely navigating kidney transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Singapore General Hospital's experience
Carolyn Shan-Yeu Tien1,2, Ian Tatt Liew1,2, Quan Yao Ho1,2
1Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Insights
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) experienced no increased severe complications or mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safe kidney transplantation is achievable with effective containment, vaccination, and prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global organ transplant activities.
- Concerns included increased mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), donor-derived infections, and strained healthcare resources.
- This study evaluated KTR outcomes before and during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on kidney transplantation outcomes.
- To compare perioperative and COVID-19 related outcomes in KTRs during pre-pandemic and pandemic eras.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center cohort study.
- Compared KTRs from January 2017-December 2019 (pre-COVID-19) with January 2020-June 2022 (COVID-19).
- Analyzed perioperative outcomes and COVID-19 infection outcomes.
Main Results:
- 114 transplants pre-COVID-19 vs. 74 during COVID-19.
- No significant differences in baseline demographics or perioperative outcomes.
- Slightly longer cold ischemia time during COVID-19 did not increase delayed graft function.
- No severe complications (pneumonia, AKI, death) reported in KTRs infected with COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Kidney transplantation can proceed safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Effective containment, vaccination, and prompt treatment are crucial for safe transplant procedures.
- Revitalization of organ transplant activities is essential as COVID-19 transitions to an endemic phase.
Background:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic curtailed transplant activities worldwide, driven by concerns about increased COVID-19-related mortality among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), infections originating from donors, and decreased availability of surgical and intensive care resources as healthcare resources are reallocated for pandemic response. We examined the outcomes of KTRs at our center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study examining the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing kidney transplantation during two periods January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 (pre-COVID-19 era) and January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022 (COVID-19 era). We reviewed perioperative and COVID-19 infection-related outcomes in both groups.
Results:
A total of 114 transplants were performed during the pre-COVID-19 era, while 74 transplants were conducted during the COVID-19 era. No differences in baseline demographics were observed. Additionally, there were no significant differences in perioperative outcomes, except for a longer cold ischemia time during the COVID-19 era. However, this did not result in an increased incidence of delayed graft function. Among the KTRs infected with COVID-19 during the pandemic era, no severe complications such as pneumonia, acute kidney injury, or death were reported.
Conclusions:
With the global transition to an endemic phase of COVID-19, it is imperative to revitalize organ transplant activities. Effective containment workflow, good vaccination uptake, and prompt COVID-19 treatment are essential to ensure that transplants can proceed safely.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure