Orthotopic kidney transplantation survival and complications: systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: To determine graft and patient survival and adverse events in patients who undergo orthotopic kidney transplantation. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We search in Medline, Embase, and Central from inception to nowadays. We included observational studies with patients who undergo orthotopic kidney transplantation. The primary outcomes were overall patient and graft survival. We pooled the information in a frequency meta-analysis with a 95% CI. We analyzed bias with the STROBE statement. RESULTS: Of the 106 papers initially retrieved, four met the inclusion criteria. Vascular and urinary tract complications were reported in 19% and 15%, respectively. The overall patient survival was 92% 95%CI (88% to 95%), I2 = 0%, and the overall graft survival was 88% 95 CI (83% to 91%), I2 = 0%. CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed a high survival rate in patients and kidney grafts after orthotopic kidney transplantation, with a similar complication rate compared to a heterotopic kidney transplant.