Division of Transplant Surgery - Frequently Asked Question

Division of Transplant Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can receive a kidney transplantation?

A: Any patient who suffers from severe irreversible loss of kidney function. Without proper kidney function, life can only be sustained by chronic dialysis.

2. Who must not get a kidney transplantation?

A: Any patient with an active malignancy (cancer) or infection that has not been eradicated

3. Who can be a kidney donor?

A: Any friend or family member can be tested. Usually we like to transplant donor and recipient pairs with compatible blood types but we occasionally can cross blood types with special added treatments.

4. What are compatible blood types?

A: An O donor can be given to any recipient (universal donor). A kidneys can be transplanted into A or AB recipients. B kidneys can be transplanted into B or AB recipients and AB kidneys (rarest) must only be transplanted into AB recipients but AB recipients can take any type of donor (universal recipient)

5. What other tests need to be done before a kidney transplant?

A: There are a host of other blood tests that need to be done that are usually drawn at the time of the Transplant Evaluation. Several other test may be needed and will be clearly outlined to you at the time of your Transplant Evaluation. These tests can be performed either here at SLR or with your primary MD or nephrologists

6. How do I get on the waiting list at St. Luke’s Roosevelt?

A: We never let anyone wait more than a few days for an appointment for a transplant evaluation. We understand how anxiety producing this situation is. Just call 212-523-4700 and ask to be connected to one of our Clinical Transplant Coordinators.

7. Is life after kidney transplantation completely normal?

A: After kidney transplantation, a continuous drug treatment (immunosuppression) is necessary to keep the body from rejecting the kidney. Unfortunately, these drugs do produce a minor propensity for certain types of infectious diseases and to a small extent, certain tumors. Additionally these drugs can produce side effects. Therefore, a patient has to see his, or her, transplant specialist regularly.

8. Why is there a waiting list for kidney transplantation?

A: Only patients who do not have a living donor go on the waitlist. There are too few organs available for transplantation. In addition, patients have to wait until a kidney with a compatible tissue match has been found.

9. Why must I take medication for the rest of my life?

A: You must take medicine every day to prevent your body from rejecting your new organ.

10. What happens if I forget to take a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, contact your transplant team immediately.

11. What should I do if the medicines cause side effects?

A: Notify your transplant coordinator or physician. They will suggest ways for managing your side effects.

12. Can I get in touch with the family of the organ donor?

A: After a transplant it is not uncommon for a recipient to want to write to the family of the donor to express his/her gratitude. This may take the form of a letter or a card. If you feel as though this is something that you would like to do, the following guidelines might be of assistance to you when writing. The card may be as brief as "thank you" or you may want to:

Discuss your job or occupation, your hobbies or interests and how the transplant affected your life
Write about your family situation such as your marriage, children or grandchildren
Since the religion of the donors family is unknown, please consider this if your are including spiritual comments
It is important to be sensitive to the fact that while you are in a sense celebrating, the family may very well still be coping with the loss of a loved one.
Finally include first names only
Please send your correspondence to your physician for review, and they will forward it to your donor family. Remember, communicating with the donor family is a personal decision, and you should only do this if you feel a need to do so.

About SLRHC

Map and Directions

History

Academic Affiliation

Division of Breast Surgery

Division of Cardiac Surgery

Division of Colorectal Surgery

Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Division of Pediatric Surgery

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Division of Thoracic Surgery

Transplant Surgery

Division of Trauma and Critical Care

Division of Vascular Surgery

Division of General Surgery

Division of Surgical Oncology

Aneurysm Center

Bariatric

Endovascular

Hepatobiliary

Surgical Missions

Latin Initiative

Limb Salvage & Wound Healing

Robotics

Residency Program