Kidney Transplant
With more than 26 million Americans currently suffering from chronic kidney disease and over 300,000 on dialysis, the demand for kidney transplantation in the U.S. continues to grow. University Medical Center has dedicated itself to serving this expanding population by providing our patients with the largest organ donation pool possible. The kidney transplant team's vast clinical experience and expertise enables UMC to offer extended criteria donors to patients waiting for their life saving kidney. This means that many patients who would be unable to receive a transplant at other facilities can be treated at UMC. University Medical Center also conducts living-related and unrelated kidney transplantation.
Living donors can expect the same excellent care we provide our transplant recipients. Our kidney transplant team has worked hard to bring cutting edge technology to the living donation process. At UMC, laparoscopic nephrectomy is the standard of care, making the donating as minimally invasive as possible.
Why do I need a Kidney Transplant?
There are many diseases that can cause damage to the kidneys. When the kidneys become damaged, their ability to do their job is hindered. The kidneys act as a filter for the blood, removing excess water and waste. They also stimulate the production of red blood cells, help to regulate blood pressure, and balance important minerals.
The primary causes of renal disease and failure are:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Congenital Abnormalities such as Alport Syndrome (inherited form of kidney inflammation) and Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Infections, Kidney Stones and Obstructive Uropathy (blockage of urine flow from kidneys)
Specialized Services
In order to determine if transplantation is the best option for a patient, multiple tests will be run. During this evaluation, you can expect to have a full workup to include:
- Consultation with a nephrologist, transplant social worker, transplant dietician, and your transplant coordinator
- Labs
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Chest X-ray
- EKG
- Cardiac stress test
- Radiological dental clearance
- TB skin testing
If you are a woman, you will also be required to have an annual pap smear. In addition, women over 50 will need to have an annual mammogram. The results of the above tests may require further testing to make sure transplantation is the best possible option for a patient.
Additional Links
In the News
A brother's bond: The gift of life
by Yael Schusterman, Daily Wildcat.com, Dec. 10, 2008
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