Kidney Transplant

Offering the state's only kidney transplant program, University Transplant has been changing patients' quality of life since the program began in November 1962. A living donor program was added in 1992, providing recipients with a higher long-term survival rate.

University Transplant has one of the shortest wait times in the United States for those needing a new kidney. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is responsible for transplant organ distribution throughout the United States and at UMMC.

A kidney transplant can be a life-changing treatment option for patients with irreversible kidney failure, such as dialysis patients or those with stage IV or V of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Selection of kidney transplant candidates is based on a number of factors, including:

• Current health condition
• Past medical history
• Psychosocial history and evaluation
• Lab results
• Medical testing
• Financial status

Kidney transplant options

Donated kidneys are carefully cross-matched to ensure the greatest compatibility between the patient and donor. Kidneys are obtained either from a living donor (usually a relative) or a deceased organ donor.

Deceased donors

The majority of kidneys transplanted come from deceased organ donors in the United States. Organ donors are adults who have become critically ill and will not live as a result of their illness. Parents or spouses can also agree to donate a deceased relative's organs to an unknown person on an organ transplant waiting list maintained by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Living donor transplant

Another option made available at University Transplant is a kidney transplant from a living donor. Family members or unrelated individuals who make a good match may be able to donate a kidney. Individuals who donate a kidney can live healthy lives with the kidney that remains.

• Get more information about kidney transplants from living donors.
• Complete the living donor kidney transplant screening form.

Transplant planning

Patients and caregivers attend an education class where they learn the necessary steps in planning for a transplant.

The process for receiving a kidney transplant includes:

• Patient evaluation
• Selection committee review and additional testing if needed
• Living donation (if applicable)
• Transplant surgery
• Post-transplant clinic visits
• Learning how to live with a transplant
• In general, a patient also must be available to come to a UMMC facility when he or she receives a call that a kidney is available.

Transplant clinic

Transplant recipients receive follow-up care at our transplant clinic for the first three months after transplantation.

At six months post-transplant, recipients can continue with a provider of choice, reducing travel expenses for out-of-town patients. The University Transplant coordinator will continue to follow up with the recipient on a yearly basis to assess his/her condition.

Transplant care closer to home

Easy access to care for our patients is important to us. For kidney transplant patients who live more than one hour from Jackson, we provide pre-transplant evaluation services at our outreach clinics in Grenada and Biloxi.

Transplant patient support group

University Transplant offers a support group for all solid organ transplant patients.

• When: Second Thursday in March, June, September and December at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: University Physicians Pavilion, Room MO-15
• For more information, call (601) 984-5065 and speak to a transplant social worker.

Kidney Referral Forms

Kidney Transplant Referral Form

Dialysis Access Referral Form