Kidney Transplantation

KIDNEY
TRANSPLANTATION

In Nevada, 575 people are currently on the kidney transplant waiting list.

16 people die each day because an organ does not become available to them while they are waiting and every eight minutes someone is added to the waiting list.

Key Benefits of Kidney Transplantation

Improved Quality of Life

Kidney transplantation can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Unlike dialysis, which requires regular sessions and dietary restrictions, a successful transplant allows patients to lead a more normal, active life with fewer limitations.

Increased Longevity

Patients who receive a kidney transplant typically have a longer life expectancy compared to those who remain on dialysis. A successful transplant can provide many years of healthy, functional kidney activity.

Freedom from Dialysis

One of the immediate benefits of kidney transplantation is freedom from the time-consuming and physically draining process of dialysis. This allows patients to regain control over their daily schedule and reduces the burden of frequent hospital visits.

Better Physical and Mental Health

Kidney transplant recipients often experience improvements in physical strength, energy levels, and overall well-being. Additionally, the relief from dialysis can lead to better mental health, with reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.

Lower Long-Term Healthcare Costs

While the initial costs of kidney transplantation are significant, the long-term costs are often lower than those associated with ongoing dialysis treatment. This can result in substantial financial savings over time for both patients and the healthcare system.

Dietary and Lifestyle Flexibility

Post-transplant, patients can typically enjoy a more varied diet and engage in activities that were restricted during dialysis. This increased flexibility contributes to an overall better quality of life. With improved health and freedom from the demands of dialysis, kidney transplant recipients are often able to return to work or school and participate more fully in social and recreational activities.

Potential for Full Recovery

A kidney transplant can offer the possibility of a full recovery, with the new kidney taking over the function of the failed organs. This allows patients to live a life like those with healthy kidneys, often without the need for ongoing medical intervention.

Contribution to Medical Advancement
Kidney transplantation not only benefits individual patients but also contributes to the broader field of medical science. Each successful transplant adds to the body of knowledge, helping improve outcomes for future patients and advancing education, science and training.

What is the Kidney Transplant Waiting List Experience Like?

The kidney transplant waiting list is an important component of the organ transplant process, helping to ensure that donated kidneys are allocated to patients in the fairest and most medically appropriate way possible. The following are a overview of the process which varies by patient:

Evaluation and Listing

Medical Evaluation: Patients with end-state kidney disease who are potential candidates for a transplant undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation at the Renown Transplant Institute with Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate, transplant nephrologist. This includes assessing their overall health, compatibility with potential donors, and the presence of any conditions that might affect the success of a transplant.
Approval and Listing: If deemed suitable, the patient is added to the national transplant waiting list managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Each patient is listed with specific details, including their blood type, tissue type, and medical urgency.

2. Prioritization and Matching

Priority System: The waiting list operates on a priority system based on several factors including:
- Blood Type Compatibility: Matching the blood type of the donor with the recipient.
- Tissue Compatibility: Matching Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) markers, which reduce the likelihood of organ rejection.
- Waiting Time: Generally, patients are prioritized based on how long they have been on the list, with those waiting longer being given preference.
- Medical Urgency: Patients with more urgent medical needs may be prioritized over others who are more stable.
- Geographic Location: Proximity to the donor is considered to minimize the time the kidney is outside the body, which can affect transplant success.

3. Receiving an Organ Offer

Organ Availability: When a kidney becomes available, the transplant system generates a list of potential recipients who are the best match for the organ based on the criteria mentioned above.
Transplant Center Notification: The transplant center for the highest-ranked patient on the list is notified. The Renown Transplant Institute team will then decide whether to accept the organ based on the current health status of the patient and the condition of the kidney.

4. Acceptance and Transplant

Organ Acceptance: If the organ is accepted, the patient is quickly notified and preparations for surgery begin. In some cases, if the highest-priority patient cannot receive the transplant (due to health issues or other factors), the organ is offered to the next patient on the list.
Surgery: The transplant surgery is performed and if successful, the patient begins the post-transplant recovery process, which includes monitoring for organ rejection and managing anti-rejection medications.
Post Transplant Care Monitoring: After the transplant, the receipient must undergo regular follow-ups to ensure the new kidney is functioning well. They must take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent their body from rejecting the organ.
Possible Re-Listing: In some cases, if the transplanted kidney fails, the patient may be re-listed for another transplant.