Patient survival in cadaveric renal transplantation: report from a small center

Recipients of cadaveric kidney transplants before 1975 had a 1-year mortality rate (30 per cent) approximately 3 times higher than patients on chronic hemodialysis (10 per cent). Patient survival was no better in large than in small transplant centers. Since 1975 several large and experienced transplant centers (more than 500 transplants) have reported improved patient survival rates (90 per cent). We herein document that a small transplant center (less than 200 transplants) can achieve patient survival rates that are equivalent to larger transplant centers.