Costs associated with the treatment of surgical site infection among solid organ transplant recipients: a scoping review

Abstract

There is a notable lack of research addressing the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) among solid organ transplant recipients and the related economic burden. The aim was to map the available evidence regarding the direct costs associated with the treatment of SSI among adult solid organ transplant recipients. This was a scoping review conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were carried out in seven databases. Grey literature sources and reference lists of the included studies were consulted in November 2024. Primary scientific studies conducted among solid organ transplant recipients, aged ≥18 years, that reported direct costs related to the occurrence of SSI were included. Cost estimates have been converted to a common currency, the US dollar of 2024. A total of 4145 records were recovered. The final sample consisted of five studies. Three studies included liver transplant recipients and two included kidney transplant recipients. In liver transplantation, the SSI rate ranged from 15.7% to 37.8% and in kidney transplantation from 4.1% to 18.5%. The cost of treating SSI, adjusted for severity, among liver transplant recipients, ranged from US$17,248 to US$246,548 and in kidney transplant recipients it was US$20,183. The most frequently reported cost parameters were hospital stay, medications, laboratory tests, and human resources. The additional direct costs arising from the treatment of SSI in solid organ transplant recipients represent a significant economic burden for society, which may impact the sustainability of health systems.