Renal Support Network

A kidney transplant is a surgery done to insert a healthy kidney from a donor into the abdomen of a person whose kidneys no longer function. The kidney may come from a deceased organ donor or from a living donor. Family members or others who are a good match may be able to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living transplant.

There are a few things you need to understand before you get a transplant, getting and staying on the waitlist, how a donor is considered a match, how to find and even multi-list at transplant centers (hospitals) to name a few. Here is the information you need to get started on the path to transplantation.

Getting Listed for a Kidney: What You Need to Do & Know

Getting Listed for a Kidney What You Need to Do & Know with Ben Hippen, MD is a Renal Support Network Hope Week presentation. Dr. Hippen shares the steps to kidney transplantation.

Weight Loss and
Kidney Transplant

Weight Loss and Kidney Transplant with Lubna Akbany, RD is a Renal Support Network Hope Week presentation. Ms. Akbany insights into nutrition issues and kidney transplant.

Psychosocial Issues
of Kidney Transplant

Psychosocial Issues of Kidney Transplant with Mark Meier, MSW, LCSW, is a Renal Support Network Hope Week presentation. Mark talks about the emotional and psychological effects of kidney transplants.

What is a Preemptive
Kidney Transplant?

Do you know that you can have a transplant before you even need dialysis? Preemptive listing is a possibility. Dr. Rafael Villicana, a transplant nephrologist, explains what a preemptive transplant is and how you can get started.

Cleared for a
Kidney Transplant

Learn about requirements and timelines for both living and deceased donor transplants and the tests they require. You’ll also hear about scenarios that may prevent you from becoming listed.

Breakthroughs in Antibody
Desensitization Therapy

Learn about about Stanley C. Jordan, MD’s research to reduce organ rejection, breakthroughs in antibody desensitization therapy and other advances in transplantation.

Kidney Transplantation:
Understanding the Match

Dr. Rafael Villicana explains blood type compatibility, antigen match and how antibodies tell if the kidney is suited for the recipient. Learn about blood type incompatibility, kidney swaps and what transplant doctors are looking for when they perform a cross match.

So You’re Thinking
About a Kidney Transplant

When Mark Wedel, MD learned his kidneys were failing and that he needed a transplant. After carefully researching his options, he decided to write a book to better explain to other patients and health care professionals what they need to know to prepare.

Writing a Letter to your
Transplant Donor Family

Saying thank you to the family who gave the gift of life to save others is an important part to their healing. But, often people don’t understand the process. Litsa Williams describes the process and shares some stories that have happened as result of sending a letter.

How the Transplant
Waiting List Works

How do I become eligible to be placed on the waiting list and how long is the wait for a kidney? Learn the answers to these questions and more.

How to Multi-List
for a New Kidney

Since candidates at centers local to the donor hospital are usually considered ahead of those who are more distant, multiple listing may increase your chances of receiving a local organ offer.

Seeking a Kidney Transplant? When to Start and What to Know

Pursuing a transplant takes time, preparation, planning, and patience. It is real work! Here are some tips to help you navigate the process more easily.

Kidney Donor
Options

Once you and your doctor decide that a kidney transplant is the best treatment choice for you, several options are available. Here are some things to consider.