You may be called to the hospital at any time. In most cases you will arrive 4 hours prior to surgery. The Pancreas and Kidney Transplant Coordinator will direct you to what entrance of the hospital to use and where to go from there.
What To Bring
- Current medication list
- Medications
- Pajamas, robe, slippers
- Any personal hygiene products you may need
Before Surgery
Updated testing will be necessary prior to surgery, for example you may have a chest x-ray, blood work, a urine specimen and any further testing as ordered. This is standard for all incoming transplant patients.
Loved ones are welcome to come with you to the hospital and may stay with you until you go for surgery.
Expect multiple visits from your nurses, physicians and residents wanting to know about your health history and how they can better prepare you for surgery. Kidney transplant surgery lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours and kidney/pancreas surgery lasts approximately 8-10 hours. You family will be updated regularly regarding your status.
After Surgery
After surgery you will wake up in the recovery room then go to either 5B (renal floor) or ICU. The average length of stay in the hospital for a kidney transplant is 3-6 days and for a kidney/pancreas transplant the average length of stay is 6-10 days. Once in your room floor staff will familiarize you with your belongings, the menu/room service and the nursing call system.
Surgeons, doctors, social worker, nurses, pharmacy and residents will visit you daily to discuss progress and plan of care. Time will be set aside each day for the transplant nurse to meet with you and a caregiver to go over education materials, medication, labs and clinic appointments.