Transplant Surgery

Evaluation of Recipients

It is important to determine that you have no underlying medical problems which may interfere with the success of your organ transplant. For your safety, several tests must be performed before you become eligible to receive a transplant. The types of tests are generally similar for most individuals; however, additional tests may be required depending on your age and medical condition.

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Lab Tests

Blood tests are the primary screening tests for the function of your body. These tests can indicate whether the other organs in your body are working properly and whether you have contracted frequent viral infections in the past. This information can be vital to post-transplantation care. The results of these tests will be important in determining what additional studies will be necessary for you.

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X-Rays

A chest X-ray is necessary for all potential transplant patients. If you experience sinus ailments, X-rays of your sinuses will also be necessary.

If lab tests indicate a problem with your urine, if you have had previous surgery on your bladder, or if you have diabetes you will need to have an evaluation of your bladder. This may involve placing a catheter or a scope into the bladder and taking X-rays, or examining the bladder to see whether problems exist which must be corrected prior to the transplant.

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Other Tests

Your stool will need to be tested for blood. If blood is found, you will need to have your stomach and colon examined with special scopes to be sure there are no problems with your intestines which could interfere with your transplant. A tuberculosis skin test will be necessary as well as a dental evaluation. Women will need a current pap smear and mammogram, if appropriate, and men will need a prostate exam and blood test.

An assessment from social work will need to be completed to ensure you have adequate support systems available – for example, family, friends and other supportive individuals. The social worker will discuss potential benefits and programs, and assess your understanding of transplant and your ability to manage the life changes a transplant incurs. An evaluation from psychiatry may be required. The business office will also review your insurance and the cost of the transplant.

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Waiting List

If you are fortunate enough to have a person willing to donate a kidney, a date for your surgery can be arranged after both you and your donor have been properly evaluated to ensure the transplant will be safe for both of you. If you do not have a willing donor, you will need to be placed on a waiting list and wait for an available kidney.

All patients who will receive a deceased donor organ transplant in the United States must be registered with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) before receiving a kidney. UNOS has access to information about each patient and determines the order in which patients will receive their transplants. Information used to determine your placement on the list includes how long your have been waiting, how good your tissue match is with the available kidney, your blood type, and how likely your body is to accept a kidney. Once your name is at the top of the list, you will be called for the transplant.

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Blood Samples

Each month a sample of your blood is taken and sent to the transplant center for testing. These blood tests give us an idea of how difficult it will be to find a compatible kidney for you. Additionally, the sample is used to test your blood against kidneys which become available to determine whether you might be eligible for the kidney. These samples are important, without them, you may lose your chance of receiving a kidney.

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Availability

Remember, once you are on the waiting list you will need to keep the transplant coordinators at Scott & White informed of your location if you leave the local area. If you are unavailable for a transplant, you will miss an opportunity to receive an organ.

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The Call

Receiving a call for your kidney transplant will likely create a surge of conflicting emotions within you. It may be difficult for you to prepare yourself for a trip to the hospital at a time like this. Therefore, advance preparation would be of benefit. You should have an idea of how you will get to the hospital, who you will notify, who will take care of your children and pets and what you will need to bring with you to the hospital. Again, it is important for you to proceed to the hospital as soon as possible so that we can prepare you for the transplant. Do not eat or drink anything once you are notified, as this may delay your transplant.

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