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.
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.
If you will be a recipinient of an organ transplant, we will guide you
through the process of how to register for this life-changing procedure
which will include documenting your health history, medications, history
of anesthesia, etc. prior to your living organ transplant procedure.
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.
