Transplant Phases
Your organ transplant journey
Evaluation
This phase starts with your kidney doctor discussing the possibility of getting a transplant. It involves getting a referral to Tulane Transplant Institute at EJGH for education and evaluation by our multidisciplinary transplant team and medical testing to determine if a transplant is the best path forward. Once you are approved as a candidate, you will be placed on the United Network of Organ Sharing’s (UNOS) national donor waiting list.
Organ allocation
UNOS oversees the computerized sharing system that determines which patient will be offered a specific organ. Blood type, organ size, geographic location, and other factors weigh into the allocation of every donated organ. Each organ type has its own individual distribution policy which reflects factors that are unique to each organ type. When you are put on the transplant list, you are given a status number based on how sick you are and your urgency for a transplant.
Learn more about organ donation
Waitlist
While on the UNOS donors list, any potential living donor will also be evaluated. If you have a living donor who is determined to be a match (a family member or friend) you will be scheduled as soon as possible. For those waiting for a deceased donor, the process can be frustrating as you must keep yourself transplant ready. There is no way to know when an offer will come. When a donor organ becomes available, a member of the transplant team will call you. This call could come at any time - day or night.
Pre-transplant
One Medical Passport simplifies the registration process for organ transplant patients. You can document your health history, medications, history of anesthesia, upload IDs and insurance cards prior to your organ transplant procedure.
Register at One Medical Passport
Transplant
Inpatient transplant surgery and recovery take place in East Jefferson General Hospital’s Transplant Care Unit.The transplant unit is self-contained and accommodates all levels of transplant care so patients can seamlessly move from transplant surgery to recovery during their hospitalization. All patient rooms are private with a private bath and shower.
The transplant unit nurses are specially trained, educated, and oriented to the medical needs of transplant recipients through an intensive educational program and a dedicated advanced practitioner registered nurse is on the unit to collaborate with your physicians and oversee care needs.
After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive critically important education. Your caregiver needs to be with you in the hospital during education.Arrangements will be made for your post-transplant lab work and follow-up care.
Post-transplant
After discharge from the hospital, you will have labs tests and will be seen in the clinic on a regular basis. The frequency of your blood work and clinic visits will decrease over time based on your recovery response, the results of your transplant, and your individual health. This phase continues throughout the lifespan of your new kidney.
To learn more, please contact the Tulane Transplant Institute at 504-988-5344.
