Kidney Transplant FAQs
When you find out that you need a kidney transplant, your mind can fill with questions. Who can donate a kidney to you? What does kidney transplant surgery entail? Here, our specialists answer common questions about the kidney transplant experience at Memorial Transplant Institute.
About Our Care Facility
What is Memorial Transplant Institute?
Memorial Transplant Institute was established in 2017 and offers both heart and kidney transplant programs for children and adults. Memorial Transplant Institute is the only center in Broward County — and one of only two programs in South Florida — to offer kidney transplants to both children and adults.
The institute also includes a robust living donor kidney program that offers potential donors medical expertise and educational support at every point in the kidney donation process.
Where is Memorial Transplant Institute located?
Memorial Transplant Institute is based at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. Our living kidney donor office is located at 1150 N. 35th Avenue, Suite 390.
Living Kidney Donation
Who can donate a kidney to me?
Almost anyone in good health can donate a kidney. In many cases, you can donate a kidney to someone of a different race, sex or blood type, thanks to recent advances in donor matching.
At Memorial Transplant Institute, our thorough donor evaluation process makes sure a donor is in sufficient physical and mental shape to safely donate a kidney.
How do I find a living kidney donor?
Many times, people in need of a kidney transplant don't know how to talk to friends and family members about donating a kidney. Our transplant coordinators can help you come up with ways to broach the topic of kidney donation in a way that feels right to you. Learn more about kidney donation.
What if I don't have a living kidney donor?
We add eligible patients to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) kidney transplant list, which matches organs from deceased donors with individuals based on the severity of their condition. Because there are more people in need of a kidney than available organs, most people wait at least three years for a deceased donor kidney transplant.
Kidney Transplant Surgery and Recovery
What happens in kidney transplant surgery?
In kidney transplant surgery, a surgeon places a healthy kidney (from a living or deceased donor) inside the patient's body. In most cases, a surgeon will leave the failing kidneys in your body. The donor kidney takes over a failing kidney's functions, allowing the recipient the opportunity to live a longer, fuller life.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
You can expect to stay in the hospital for at least four days after kidney transplant surgery. Our entire care team will visit you before you go home, at which time they'll review everything you need to know as you embark on your new life after transplant. Learn more about what to expect from kidney transplant surgery.
What are the common signs of kidney transplant rejection?
Some people who experience organ rejection after a kidney transplant show no outward symptoms. We monitor patients closely after kidney transplant surgery. We will see you often so that we can evaluate you for early signs of organ rejection.
Common signs of kidney transplant rejection include:
- Low-grade fever
- Feeling extremely tired
- Poor appetite
- Flu like symptoms, such as nausea or body aches
- Swelling of the hands, face or feet
- Pain in the abdominal area
How long does it take to recover from kidney transplant surgery?
Your kidney transplant recovery time will depend on many factors, but you might find yourself enjoying a more active lifestyle as soon as one or two months after transplant surgery. Many people feel a sense of normalcy by three months after the surgery. Read about what to expect during kidney transplant recovery.
Learn More About Adult Kidney Transplant
We're always just a phone call away. You can learn more about our customized adult kidney transplant care by calling us anytime at 954-265-7450.
Learn More About Pediatric Kidney Transplant
If you believe your child may benefit from a kidney transplant, we want to hear from you. You can learn more about our personalized pediatric kidney transplant care by calling us anytime at 954-265-7450.
