RENAL TRANSPLANTATION DURING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: A REVIEW

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of the various advancements and problems associated
with both live and cadaver donor renal allograft transplantation during the twentieth
century.
Data source: Major published reviews on renal transplantation during the the last five
decades of the twentieth century were reviewed using Medline internet search and the Index
Medicus. The developments in immunosuppressive therapy associated with renal
transplantation, the problem of the shortage of both live and cadaveric organ donors and
post-transplant complications were examined. The future of renal transplantation including
cross species transplantation (xenotransplantation) is discussed.
Conclusion: Renal transplantation has evolved over the years to become a very successful
and routine procedure. However, the transplant waiting lists have remained long due to a
continuously shrinking kidney donor pool which is due to improved results of neurosurgical
procedures, better emergency and intensive care services and the failure to adequately
prevent and treat post transplant chronic renal failure.