When a compatible organ becomes available, the transplant patient is immediately contacted by a transplant coordinator or transplant surgeon and admitted to the hospital. At this time, a history is taken of any medical events that may have occurred since the initial transplant evaluation. Appropriate testing ensures the patients readiness for surgery.
The kidney transplant surgery lasts approximately three to five hours. When the surgery is completed, the patient spends several hours in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit and is then taken to the transplant patient care unit on Bliss 5.
The length of stay in the hospital is determined by a number of factors, including overall health of the patient before surgery. Hospital stays are typically 5 days.
Careful, comprehensive post-surgical monitoring constantly evaluates whether the body is accepting the new organ. Patient education is a major focus of the post transplant care. Patients must understand their medical regimen and be responsible for their follow-up care.