Kidney Transplants in Memphis, TN

Published On 07/11/2011

A kidney transplant is recommended for persons who have serious kidney dysfunction and will not be able to live without dialysis or a transplant.  

End Stage Renal Disease

The indication for a kidney transplant is end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Though there are many conditions which can lead to ESRD, Diabetes is the most common. Others include:  

  • analgesic nephropathy
  • polycystic kidney disease
  • congenital nephrotic syndrome
  • infections
  • lupus
  • hemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Goodpasture syndrome

The majority of kidneys that are transplanted come from deceased organ donors. Parents or spouses can also agree to donate a relative's organs. Donors can come from any part of the United States. This type of transplant is called a cadaveric transplant. A person receiving a transplant usually receives only one kidney, but, in rare situations, he/she may receive two kidneys from a deceased donor.  

Living Donor Kidney Transplant

Family members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may also be able to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living transplant (living donor). Individuals who donate a kidney can live healthy lives with the kidney that remains. 

If the Donor and Recipient are not compatible, living donation is still an option through the Paired Kidney Exchange Program. Incompatible pairs can join a national pool of other incompatible pairs and “exchange” donors, through an organization called the National Kidney Registry. This registry ensures that the recipient will receive a living donor with possibly a better match. These matches can facilitate a "chain" of transplants and benefit multiple people needing a transplant. The transplant team will discuss the Paired Kidney Exchange Program if this is an option for you. 

Transplant Evaluation

Criteria have been developed to ensure that all people on the waiting list are judged fairly as to the severity of their illness and the urgency of receiving a transplant. The people in most urgent need of a transplant are placed highest on the status list, and are given first priority when a donor kidney becomes available. 

An extensive evaluation must be completed before you can be placed on the transplant list. Testing includes:

  • blood tests
  • diagnostic tests
  • psychological and social evaluation

The organ transplant team will consider all information from interviews, your medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests in determining whether you can be a candidate for kidney transplantation. 

Visit the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Web site for statistics of patients awaiting a kidney transplant, and the number of patients who underwent a transplant this year. UNOS is responsible for transplant organ distribution in the United States and oversees the allocation of many different types of transplants, including liver, kidney, pancreas, heart, lung, and cornea. Our organ transplant team is responsible for sending the data to UNOS, and updating them as your condition changes. 

To find a Methodist Healthcare-affiliated transplant surgeon in Memphis, Tennessee, please use our physician locator or call 888.777.5959.