• Samuel J Kesseli, Mariya L Samoylova, Dimitrios Moris, Ashton A Connor, Robin Schmitz, Brian I Shaw, Jared N Gloria, Nader Abraham, Lisa M McElroy, Debra L Sudan, Stuart J Knechtle, and Andrew S Barbas.
• Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
• Ann. Surg. 2020 Sep 1; 272 (3): 506-510.

ObjectiveWe sought to compare kidney transplantation outcomes between Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA transplant centers.Summary Background DataTransplant care at the VA has previously been scrutinized due to geographic and systematic barriers. The recently instituted MISSION Act entered effect June 6th, 2019, which enables veteran access to surgical care at civilian hospitals if certain eligibility criteria are met.MethodsWe evaluated observed-to-expected outcome ratios (O:E) for graft loss and mortality using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database for all kidney transplants during a 15-year period (July 1, 2001-June 30, 2016). Of 229,188 kidney transplants performed during the study period, 1508 were performed at VA centers (N = 7), 7750 at the respective academic institutions affiliated with these VA centers, and 227,680 at non-VA centers nationwide (N = 286).ResultsAggregate O:E ratios for mortality were lower in VA centers compared with non-VA centers at 1 month and 1 year (O:E = 0.27 vs 1.00, P = 0.03 and O:E = 0.62 vs 1.00, P = 0.03, respectively). Graft loss at 1 month and 1 year was similar between groups (O:E = 0.65 vs 1.00, P = 0.11 and O:E = 0.79 vs 1.00, P = 0.15, respectively). Ratios for mortality and graft loss were similar between VA centers and their respective academic affiliates. Additionally, a subgroup analysis for graft loss and mortality at 3 years (study period January 1, 2009-December 31, 2013) demonstrated no significant differences between VA centers, VA-affiliates, and all non-VA centers.ConclusionsDespite low clinical volume, VA centers offer excellent outcomes in kidney transplantation. Veteran referral to civilian hospitals should weigh the benefit of geographic convenience and patient preference with center outcomes.Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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