Renal Transplant Services
Renal transplantation offers the patient a chance for an improved lifestyle with a normally functioning kidney. Transplantation provides continuous regulation of waste products, and production of hormones needed for normal body functions that are not produced by diseased kidneys. This modality offers a greater probability for a return to the previous lifestyle and is associated with longer patient survival. There are two types of donors for transplantation: Deceased or Living Donors.
Watch a Video: "Live-donor Transplant Surgery " - 29 mb,
Video: "Kidney Transplant: What you Need to Know" - 66 mb
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Laparoscopic surgery is performed by inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create a space between the abdominal wall and the organs. Using short (½ inch) incisions, narrow trocars are inserted through the abdominal wall so that instruments can be slid through them to perform the maneuvers necessary for the operation. All this is viewed directly on a video monitor, which receives its picture from a video camera attached to the laparoscope. The hand-assisted technique utilizes a short, lower abdominal midline incision for the surgeon’s hand. This site is later used to remove the kidney.
Open Nephrectomy
The surgery, which is called an open nephrectomy, begins with the surgeon making about a 6-inch incision in your side, or flank. Additionally, part or all of your bottom rib may have to be removed to make it easier to reach the kidney. This is a floating rib, which is there to protect the kidney, and its removal will not cause any health problems. As soon as your kidney is removed, it is flushed of blood and placed in the recipient, who has been prepared for surgery in the operating room next door.
Recipient Transplant Surgery
The new donor's kidney is transplanted into the lower quadrant or the patient's abdomen. This site makes the kidney easier to examine by palpation and provides a secure blood supply. The new kidney is considered a “foreign” object by the body’s immune system. The immune system attacks foreign bodies, which can result in rejection of the transplanted kidney. It is possible to overcome the body’s natural reaction to the “foreign” kidney by administering immunosuppressive drugs. These medicines include cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, sirolimus, and prednisone, all of which suppress the body’s ability to reject the new kidney. Fortunately, the living-related donor has a higher probability of similar tissue characteristics, as detected by tissue typing, which decreases the possibility of rejection. The major risks after transplantation are associated with immunosuppressive therapy which predisposes a patient to infection.
Location & Contact
6431 Fannin Street
MSB 6.240
Houston, Texas 77030
Tel: 713-500-7400
Fax: 713-500-0785
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