This site has been prepared by the Transplant Service of the University of Texas Medical Branch in order to provide those persons considering a kidney transplant and their families an understanding of the process, risks, and benefits of kidney transplantation. Anyone considering a kidney transplant and his/her physician can make a better decision about transplantation when the risks and benefits have been discussed and are understood by all concerned. Preparation for a transplant and understanding of the process and possible problems lessens anxiety for everyone. Transplantation has an impact upon family members as well as the recipient. For this reason, it is helpful for family members to be included in discussions so that their questions can also be answered.
It is the hope, therefore, of the Transplant Service, that the information at this site will be read and discussed by the recipient and family as well as with the physicians and nurses involved in planning a kidney transplant.
You can see or print a copy of our "Questionnaire for Transplant Evaluation."
INTRODUCTION
The first successful kidney transplant was performed in Boston in 1954 between identical twins. The early 1960's saw the beginning of kidney transplantation between non-related persons because medications which lessen the natural body reaction to an organ from another person became available. These medicines, called immunosuppressants, are the key to successful kidney transplantation today. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has been performing kidney transplants since 1967. Since that time, about 1500 persons have received kidney transplants at UTMB.
Persons considered for a kidney transplant are those who have experienced chronic renal failure and whose health has been found to be acceptable for the surgical procedure and the medications which must be taken after the procedure. After learning about the procedure and its potential benefits and risks, one must decide if they would like to be considered for transplantation. For this reason, it is important for anyone considering a transplant to ask any and all questions which come to mind, no matter how trivial they may seem. Questions some candidates ask include:
The transplant coordinator or physician involved in the transplant process will discuss these and other questions with you.
A very important part of the discussion is understanding that after a transplant, you must be committed to taking medicines every day without fail, to seeing the doctor when an appointment is scheduled, and to calling the transplant center whenever you have any questions or problems. We cannot stress too strongly that these are the most important things you must do for yourself after a transplant.
Some of your questions will be answered by the information at our site. You will probably think of other questions, perhaps related to other things that you have read or that other people have told you about transplantation. We hope you will read, think and learn as much as you can about kidney transplantation to help you decide whether a kidney transplant is right for you.
