Kidney Transplant Program

A kidney transplant is placing a kidney from a donor into a person whose kidney no longer works due to chronic end-stage kidney disease or injury. It is not a cure. However, it can offer a better quality of life.

Kidneys for transplant come from two sources: non-living donors and living donors.

Non-living donors are people who have suffered brain or heart death and whose organs are donated to patients in need.

Living donors are people who choose to donate one of their kidneys to a patient in need. Usually, this is a relative or friend. Not everyone who wants to donate a kidney is able to do so. Kidneys transplanted from living donors will usually last twice as long as kidneys from non-living donors.

Living donors must be older than 18 years of age and in good physical and emotional health. Good kidney function is a must.

Persons with kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and morbid obesity cannot donate a kidney.

People with a history of cancer, alcohol or drug abuse, or kidney stones will require further evaluation to find out if it is safe for them to donate.

Living donors are tested to ensure that their blood type is compatible with the recipient’s blood type.

If compatible, living donors will undergo medical testing to make sure they are healthy enough to donate one kidney.

Even though kidney donors must be in good health, it is important to understand that there is always some risk involved with any type of surgery. Surgery to remove a healthy kidney has the same risks as other surgeries and includes bleeding, blood clots, and problems with anesthesia. Major complications are rare.

Most kidney donors return to their usual lifestyle after the recovery period. Many donors return to work in 3-6 weeks and usually no medicine is needed. Some people may need longer than this to feel well enough to work. There are no long-term changes in your diet. We recommend that all kidney donors see their doctor once a year for a routine check-up. This should include a physical, blood pressure check, urinalysis, and basic blood tests. Please note: Donors can live a healthy, productive life with one kidney after donation.

The recipient’s Medicare and/or private insurance pays for all donor medical expenses. As you consider becoming a kidney donor, you should also think about the cost of kidney donation. Donors do not pay for evaluation, surgery, hospitalization, or donor-related care for up to two years after surgery. If qualified, there are national resources to assist with travel, lodging, and meal expenses for the donor.

Parkland provides a multi-disciplinary patient care approach throughout the transplant process.

UT Southwestern physicians will direct your transplant care and you will have a whole team of healthcare providers experienced in transplant helping you along the way.

Our transplant surgeons and physicians are experienced transplant providers. They put you, the patient, first and give compassionate care.

Our transplant coordinators are registered nurses. They will work closely with you to coordinate your care with the transplant team.

Our transplant social workers will assist you with non-medical issues. They help you find support services that are available to you within the community.

Our transplant pharmacist specializes in transplant medicines. Once you have a kidney transplant, you will be taking anti-rejection drugs for the rest of your life. Our pharmacists are here to help you understand your medicines, explain the side effects, and teach you how to take your medicines.

Our dietitians will work with you before and after surgery to teach you about your diet needs.

Our financial coordinator will review your funding to ensure that you have proper medical coverage for a transplant.

Parkland Financial Assistance may be available to Dallas County residents to assist with the cost of medicines. For more information call 214-590-0333.

If you are on dialysis, you can ask your doctor, your social worker, or your nurse to refer you to the Parkland Transplant Program. After you apply, you will be scheduled to begin the evaluation process to learn whether a transplant is right for you. If you are accepted, your name will be placed on the national kidney waitlist, you may wait 3-7 years before receiving a transplant. It is important for you to learn as much as you can about your treatment options.

Anyone who has end-stage renal disease and is medically appropriate can be eligible to apply for a kidney transplant.

Parkland transplant applications are available from your dialysis social worker or using the application link below.

Kidney Transplant Application

Solicitude de trasplante renal

• The National Kidney Foundation
• United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
• Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR)
• Explore Transplant