Extraperitoneal renal transplantation in small children results in a transient improvement in early graft function.

Renal transplantation is considered more technically challenging in small children compared to adults, especially when live donor adult kidneys are used. Transplanted kidneys have traditionally been placed intraperitoneally, although over the last decade extraperitoneal positioning has been attempted. The aim of this study was to establish whether there is a difference in kidney function and outcome dependent on the surgical approach to transplantation.