Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant may be a recommended treatment for patients who are experiencing end-stage renal (kidney) disease and/or are approaching 25 percent or less kidney function.

When your doctor has provided this diagnosis, or as a proactive step in your care, you may consider talking to one of our transplant teams. In most cases of end-stage kidney failure, a transplanted kidney offers a much greater ability to filter your blood than dialysis treatments and will likely result in improved quality of life and better long-term health.

When it comes to a transplant, earlier is better. Should your condition worsen, our doctors will work with you during the early stages of your disease so you can be evaluated and start learning about the transplant process.

Although you may not immediately qualify for a transplant, starting the process sooner promotes seamless integration into the transplant program, if and when the time comes.

Once your doctor has recommended a transplant as a potential treatment, you can start the transplant process. Although these steps may vary slightly from hospital to hospital, the overall transplant process is generally the same.

• Evaluation — During an evaluation, your doctors will perform an assessment of your kidney health, overall physical health and mental health.
• Finding a donor — If you have been approved for a kidney transplant, the next step is finding a donor. Unlike other organs, kidneys can often be donated from a living donor as most people can function with the use of one kidney. You can talk to your transplant team to see if this may be an option for you.
• Transplant surgery — Once a donor has been found, you will undergo the transplant procedure where your surgeons will replace the diseased kidney with a healthy, functioning kidney.
• Transplant recovery — After surgery, your team will provide short-term and long-term support to ensure your kidney transplant was, and continues to remain, successful.

A transplant is complex process that requires a team of specialists working together to ensure every part of the transplant journey goes smoothly. At HCA Florida, that's exactly what you can expect from your transplant team.

Your kidney transplant team will be by your side, ready to answer questions and provide support — from your initial evaluation through postoperative care. Our doctors understand that this process can be overwhelming at times, which is why their goal is to make sure you feel comfortable and secure with your plan, every step of the way.

Your kidney transplant team will include a:

• Transplant nephrologist (a kidney doctor that specialists in kidney transplants)
• Transplant surgeon
• Transplant pharmacist
• Social worker
• Clinical coordinator