Kidney Transplants
What is a kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant is an operation in which a person whose own kidneys have failed receives a new kidney — either from a living donor or recently deceased donor — to take over the work of cleaning the blood. The transplant is not a cure for kidney disease, but rather a lifelong treatment that requires medications.
What are the chances that a transplanted kidney will continue to function normally?
As research advances, the results of transplants improve. However, it’s important to note that successful transplant patients will still need to follow up with kidney doctors to treat all of the conditions that can go along with kidney disease including anemia, bone disease and an increased risk for heart and blood vessel disease.
When is a transplant necessary?
While a transplant center can do the evaluation, the ultimate decision is up to the patient. You may find it helpful to talk to people who already have had a kidney transplant in addition to your doctor and family members. You do not have to be on dialysis to be evaluated for a transplant; but you do need to have a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25 or less. GFR is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease.
What happens after the transplant procedure?
Columbia Nephrology coordinates with transplant centers throughout the Midlands to monitor kidney health and function after a transplant. Our staff administers treatment plans to bridge the gap between surgery and recovery.