Whether you are an organ transplant recipient or living donor, our team will accompany you through every step of your surgery and recovery process.
Surgery
Surgery for recipients and/or donors can take three to four hours and usually does not require blood products. The transplanted kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and the native kidneys remain in place.
Recipients who have living donors are scheduled at the same time for surgery and come to the transplant center one to two weeks prior to their procedure for preoperative labs, education and preparation.
Recipients who are on the UNOS waiting list will be called and given pre-operative instructions from the on-call coordinator.
Following transplant surgery, the patient is seen by the transplant surgeon and hepatologist, who together manage the patient's immunosuppressive therapy. Hospitalization stays for uncomplicated transplantations range from two to three days.
Going Home and Post-Transplant Care
Once you leave the hospital, you will be asked to monitor and log your body temperature, blood pressure, weight and blood sugar* (*diabetics only) for a period of time. Follow instructions from your surgical team and report any abnormal readings accordingly.
After discharge, you will be seen for three months in the transplant clinic for continued postoperative care, immunosuppressive treatment and education on transplant care. Once stable, you will return to your primary provider for long-term care in conjunction with the transplant clinic. The comprehensive post-transplant follow-up care is credited with the exceptional survival rates achieved in each of our transplant programs.
Long-Term Care
Making positive lifestyle choices – including good nutrition, exercise, skincare and proper hygiene – are an important part of the recovery process. Your care team will provide you with in depth recommendations and restrictions at discharge.
Finding Support: Receiving a transplant can be a stressful, overwhelming experience. Keeping yourself and your new kidney healthy is a lifetime commitment. You are not alone. The transplant center has monthly transplant support group meetings, and transplant social workers are available to help with support programs and coping.
To learn more, contact a referral coordinator at kidneytransplant@inova.org or 703-776-6056.