You may be called to the
hospital at any time. In most cases you will arrive four hours before surgery.
The kidney transplant coordinator will tell you where to go and help
you when you arrive at the hospital.
What To Bring
- List of all the medicines
you take (including herbal and over-the-counter)
- Medications
- Pajamas, robe, slippers
- Any personal hygiene products you may need
Before Surgery
Updated testing will be necessary
before surgery. For example you may have a chest x-ray, blood work, a urine
specimen and any further testing as ordered. This is normal 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.
Your nurses, physicians and
residents may ask you the same questions several times about your health
history. This is for your safety, and helps them know how they can better
prepare you for surgery.
Kidney transplant surgery
lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Your family will be
updated regularly about how you are doing.
After Surgery
After surgery you will wake
up in the recovery room then go to either 5B (renal floor) or ICU. For a kidney
transplant you will be in the hospital for about 3-6 days.
Surgeons, doctors, a 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 information about your transplant,
medicines, labs and clinic appointments.