Research in Transplant Surgery

Transplantation is a rapidly evolving field with numerous opportunities for research ranging from basic science to clinical outcomes, in fields as diverse as immunosuppression and regulation, ex-vivo perfusion, organ allocation and preservation, surgical techniques and patient outcome measures.

During the Herrick Society meeting at the British Transplantation Society Congress in February 2014, a transplantation research group was formed – the Herrick Society Transplant Research Collaborative (HSTRC) – with the aim of promoting collaborative audit, service evaluation and research projects among transplant trainees. The HSTRC is a member of the National Research Collaborative.

Not only will the HSTRC helps to develop small, local projects into larger, more generalisable studies, but it will also act as a forum for project development and closer working between trainees in different units.

Ideas for future projects and queries about research in transplantation are always welcome: please e-mail us at this address.

Ongoing

  • The TWIST study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of subcutaneous wound drains in reducing surgical site infections in high BMI kidney transplant recipients. The study will involve 360 patients with a BMI of >30 undergoing kidney transplantation. They will be randomly assigned to either receive standard of care (normal deep-sited surgical drain) or the additional insertion of a subcutaneous drain at the end of their kidney transplant.

  • Wound infections can be a significant complication of kidney transplantation, and patients with higher BMIs are at greater risk, it is important to explore all possible methods of prevention. This study builds upon previous research that has shown a reduction in wound infections in patients undergoing bowel surgery with the use of a drain. The results of this study could have significant implications for the management of wound infections in kidney transplant recipients with high BMIs.

  • Junior doctors from any Transplant Unit are welcome to participate in the TWIST study. The protocol is available for download by clicking on the study icon. Contact herrick-society@googlegroups.com to take part, or for any questions about the project.

Closed

  • The first project arising from the Herrick Society Annual Meeting 'Collaborative Research in Transplantation': CoURT (Complications of the Ureter after Renal Transplantation). This is a prospective, observational project, designed to examine the incidence and management of Major Urological Complications and UTIs following renal transplantation.

  • The study had 3 phases: 1. a questionnaire study of Transplant Surgical Consultants; 2. a pilot prospective audit (1 month of recruitment and 3 months post-transplantation follow-up); 3. a subsequent continuing study (1 year of recruitment and 1 year post-transplantation follow-up).

Ongoing

  • The CRAFT study aims to investigate the impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in adult kidney transplant recipients. This trainee-led multicentre prospective cohort study aims to assess the impact of ERAS on clinical outcomes and the study has been designed in collaboration with patients.

  • Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal peri-operative care pathway that aims to reduce surgical stress, minimise complications, and improve the patient experience. While the benefits of ERAS have been demonstrated in various surgical specialties, its effectiveness in kidney transplantation is still largely unknown. The study
    will delivered on behalf of the Herrick Trainee Research Network (TRN) in collaboration with the NHSBT ERAS Working Group. The TRN supports trainees in conducting high-impact research, developing research and leadership skills, and collaborating across regions.

  • Junior doctors from any Transplant Unit are welcome to participate in the CRAFT study. The protocol is available for download by clicking on the study icon. The study will open in the Autumn of 2023. Contact CraftTrial.HerrickSociety@gmail.com or herrick-society@googlegroups.com to take part, or for any questions about the project.