Understanding Kidney Transplantation
A kidney transplant is the best life-saving option patients with end-stage kidney disease, kidney failure or severe kidney dysfunction. Kidney transplants typically offer improved quality of life when compared to long-term treatment with dialysis. Facing kidney failure and considering a kidney transplant can be intimidating and anxiety inducing – please note, Renown’s team of compassionate experts is here to help you explore your options and walk you through the kidney transplantation process.
To be screened for a kidney transplant, please contact the Nevada Transplant Institute at 775-982-3313.
Types of Kidney Transplant
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Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Living donor kidney transplant – involves a healthy living person giving one of their kidneys to someone in need of a transplant. The living donor is able to live well with just one kidney. Receiving a kidney from a live donor is often the more favorable option for those requiring a transplant, with benefits including:
- Reduced wait time: Patients typically waiting months rather than years for a kidney.
- Increased longevity: Kidneys from living donors typically last twice as long as those from deceased donors.
- Better match: Living donors undergo comprehensive health evaluations to compatibility testing, which allows for a more precise match.
Living kidney donation can be directed or non-directed. Direct donation happens when the donor knows the recipient, such as a family member or friend.
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Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant
Deceased donor kidney transplant – involves obtaining a kidney from a deceased individual whose organs have been donated for transplantation. Matches will be made based on a number of factors, including blood types, antibodies and the amount of time you have been waiting.
The Kidney Transplant Process
Renown Health provides comprehensive transplant services, including pre-transplant evaluation, surgical procedures and post-transplant care all in one place. Our team of nurse coordinators, social workers, pharmacists, financial counselors and other transplant experts are here to make your transplant experience as easy possible.
- Initial Evaluation: Patients with end-state kidney disease who are a potential candidate for kidney transplant with undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation at the Renown Transplant Institute. Our kidney transplant team will review health and medical history to determine whether you are a candidate for kidney transplant surgery.
- Matching: If you are a candidate for a kidney transplant and choose to proceed, you will be recommended for a living donor transplant as well as placed on the national waiting list for a deceased donor transplant. The list is managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS matches deceased donor kidneys based on blood type compatibility, tissue compatibility, waiting time, distance and medical urgency. Throughout the waiting process, the Renown kidney transplant team will continue to monitor your condition and provide education and support.
- Transplant Surgery: When a kidney match becomes available, the patient is quickly notified. This can happen any time, day or night and the patient will be asked to come to the hospital within a few hours. The surgery takes approximately three hours with a recovery time in the hospital of about four to five days post-surgery.
- Follow-up Care: Ongoing follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the function of your new kidney, adjust medications as needed and address any health concerns. Our team will work with you to ensure a smooth recovery and long-term success\
- Lifestyle and Support: Kidney transplant is a lifelong commitment to follow up care. We offer support and resources to help you adjust to life after the transplant, including dietary recommendations, exercise plants and emotional support groups. Our goal is to help you integrate your new kidney into a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.