Kidney Transplant

at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Kidney transplantation can provide a new chance for a longer, more active life for people who are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease. The experienced team at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital will work with you as a partner in your care and will guide you every step of the way – from referral to surgery to recovery and beyond.

Why do people have kidney transplants?

People have kidney transplants for a condition called End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). ESRD means that your kidneys are no longer able to effectively remove fluid and waste products from your body. Although most people with ESRD are on dialysis, there are some who are not.

The most common causes of ESRD are diabetes and hypertension (also known as high blood pressure). Our team of highly trained SLUCare Physician Group specialists, nurses, social workers, dietitians and financial counselors will evaluate you to determine if you are a transplant candidate. If you are determined to be a candidate, you will be added to the waiting list according to your blood type.

How does the kidney transplant process work?

Once an organ becomes available, you will be called into the hospital for transplant surgery. During the surgery, your new kidney will be placed into your abdomen near the hip bone. Unless you original kidneys are causing problems such as infection, bleeding or pain, they are usually not removed. The surgery lasts approximately three hours.

When the surgery is over you will be transported to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where a team of nurses and doctors will carefully monitor your progress. You may have drainage tubes in your nose and a catheter placed in your bladder for urine drainage. You will also have intravenous lines to give you hydrating fluids and oxygen to help you breathe. Over the next few days, these tubes and lines will be removed, and you can to start eating food and getting out of bed to exercise. Eventually, you will be moved to a regular room for continued monitoring.

What is living kidney donor transplantation?

Living donor kidney transplantation occurs when a healthy individual donates one of his or her kidneys to a person with end stage renal disease, thus sharing the gift of life. Currently, there are more than 100,000 people on the national kidney transplant waiting list in the United States. Every day, about 12 of these transplant candidates die or become too sick before a deceased donor organ becomes available. Living donor kidney transplantation allows individuals in need to by-pass the lengthy waiting list.

What is the path to becoming a living kidney donor?

Being a living donor allows you to give the ultimate gift of life to someone in need. Donors are most often close family members, spouses, friends or co-workers of the recipient.

• The first step to becoming a donor is to contact the transplant center to complete a basic screening and to determine if you are compatible with the transplant recipient.
• Potential donors are encouraged to talk with prior donors about their full range of experiences with living donation.

For more information about becoming a living donor, visit the National Kidney Foundation.

Common questions about kidney transplant:

What are the benefits of kidney transplantation?

People with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may potentially benefit from transplantation. It offers an alternative to dialysis therapy.

Transplantation, in general, offers patients a longer, healthier and better quality of life compared to those on dialysis.

What are the benefits of combined kidney-pancreas transplant?

For certain patients with Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes, this type of transplant may be able to significantly reduce or eliminate the need to take insulin. It is particularly beneficial to patients who have a difficult time managing their blood sugar levels. When you are evaluated for kidney transplant, you will be told if you qualify.

How long should I expect to wait to expect to get a transplant?

The wait time can range from several months to years and depends on many factors. Factors include include: a) how long it takes you to complete the evaluation, b) whether or not you have a living person willing to donate to you, c) how healthy you are and, d) your blood type.

What will the evaluation involve?

To ensure transplant is a good option for you, you will meet with the transplant surgeon, transplant nephrologist, transplant coordinator and social worker. Most candidates will undergo extensive medical testing, which may include cardiac testing, dental evaluation, disease screening and other testing depending on your individual condition.

Will my insurance policy cover transplant?

Transplantation is considered “standard of care” and thus, most insurance policies do provide coverage for transplantation. Our expertly trained financial counselors will help guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have.

Will I need to take special medications after my transplant?

Yes. You will have to take daily medications to prevent your body from rejecting your new organ. This a life-long medication regimen.

What if I have trouble affording the medications?

For those who qualify, there are government and private assistance programs available to help you pay for these medications.

How long should I expect to stay in the hospital?

The kidney transplant surgery usually lasts anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours. The average hospital stay is between five to seven days. After your transplant surgery, you will be cared for on our transplant specialty unit by one of our highly-skilled registered nurses. As soon as your first day post-surgery, you may be well enough to get out of bed and start walking. You will get specialized education by our doctors, transplant coordinators and pharmacists concerning your medication and follow-up care.

What should I expect after I leave the hospital?

After you leave the hospital, you will have labs twice weekly and will be seen within 2-3 weeks in our clinic by your transplant surgeon. After three months, you will be seen by our transplant nephrologist. Once your body has adjusted to your new organ and the medication, you will have labs and clinic visits far less often. Our team will frequently discuss your care and progress with your referring nephrologist.

Are there any risks or complications that could occur?

Yes. As with any surgery or medical treatment, certain risks are involved. Your doctor will discuss specific risks and benefits with you during the evaluation process and just prior to surgery.

Will I have any special needs after my transplant?

You will be expected to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise. You will need to follow medical advice, and take your medications as prescribed.

Can I have pets after transplant?

Yes. However, there are certain pet restrictions. Due to certain infection risks, you may not keep reptiles or birds. Although you may have cats, you should never change their litter. Ask a friend or family member to change it instead.