For people experiencing kidney failure, kidney transplant is a beacon of hope. Kidney transplant is a life-saving surgery that may be an option for people with significant complications due to chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney failure who would otherwise require a lifetime on dialysis. WMCHealth Transplant Center’s renowned kidney transplant program has saved thousands of lives since its founding in 1989.
As the only center of its kind in the region, our excellent outcomes draw patients from all over New York State and beyond. Well known for our expertise in taking care of complicated patients, we rank among the 10% of US Transplant Center for simultaneous kidney heart transplants.
WMCHealth kidney transplant patients benefit from our team’s medical expertise rendered in our state-of-the-art facility. The entire team—including a patient coordinator for each transplant patient—is dedicated to ensuring the best possible experience for the patient and family during this highly complex process. Transplant is a lifelong commitment and we provide support every step of the way.
Do I Need a Kidney Transplant?
End-stage kidney disease, also known as kidney failure, is a, life-threatening condition that can be caused by several diseases, such as diabetes and lupus. If you have poor kidney function or you are on dialysis , your doctor may recommend a kidney transplant.
The Evaluation Process: What to Expect
In order to decide whether or not kidney transplant is right for you, you need to undergo a kidney transplant evaluation, which may include:
- Blood tests: Blood tests are necessary to help find your best donor match to improve the chances that the donor kidney will not be rejected.
- Diagnostic tests: These include tests on your lungs and overall health, such as X-rays, ultrasound procedures, CT scans, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and dental exams.
- Vaccinations: Vaccines decrease the chances of developing infections that can affect the success of your transplant.
- Psychological and social evaluation: Stress, financial issues, and support from family or significant others are some of the psychological and social issues that are considered.
Living Donor Kidney Donation
If you are a candidate for transplant, you may be able to receive a kidney from a living donor. The waiting list period can be long and arduous. Living kidney donor recipients generally receive kidneys faster than those on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney. To get our patients the care they need as quickly as possible, the Westchester Kidney Transplant Program specializes in living kidney donation.
To receive a living donor kidney transplant, the donor must be healthy and have a matching blood type. The donor will also undergo an evaluation to ensure they are prepared for the procedure. Living kidney donors come in all shapes and sizes. Some are family, friends, or coworkers of transplant candidates, while others give the gift of life anonymously.
Living kidney donation provides several benefits for the waitlist recipient. Thanks to living donors, the waiting period for a living kidney donation is typically less than a year. A living donor’s kidney is also of higher quality than that of a deceased donor. Additionally, a living donation provides the opportunity for another candidate to receive a deceased donor kidney when they need it.
If you are interested in becoming a donor or want to learn more about the donation process, please call 914.493.1990 or fill out this form. You can also visit these websites: LiveOnNY.org, DonateLife.net, or UNOS.org.
Donor Kidney Waiting List
If you are a candidate for kidney transplant surgery but living kidney donation is not an option, your transplant coordinator will let you know that you have been placed on the national waiting list. You will receive a letter confirming your placement on the list.
The main factor determining whether an available donor kidney is right for you is that the donor’s blood type must be compatible with yours.
At WMCHealth, we realize that waiting for your transplant can be very stressful. Please remember that you are not alone. Your transplant care team is always there to help you navigate the uncertainty of your waiting period.