Liver and Kidney Transplant Program

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment option for severe chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. With a kidney transplant, you can lead a life free of dialysis and its potential complications. And if you aren’t yet on dialysis, an early kidney transplant can help you avoid it.

You'll undergo a transplant evaluation to determine if you’re eligible for a kidney transplant. This includes an assessment by a medical kidney specialist, a transplant surgeon, a social worker, a nutritionist, a pharmacist and a financial specialist.

You will also undergo additional testing to help the team decide the best course of treatment for you.

After you have completed all required testing and interviews with the transplant team, your file will be reviewed by a Patient Review Committee. The medical, surgical, administrative, and financial transplant team will discuss your case and will decide as a group if you are ready to be placed on the national kidney transplant waiting list. Living donation provided by someone you know is a way to expedite your needed kidney transplant.

Kidney allocation is controlled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services, as well as the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS.

Liver transplantation is the best treatment option for most patients with chronic liver disease, certain types of cancer, and liver failure (that has occurred either suddenly or gradually). The outcomes are promising, and many patients return to the activities they enjoyed before they became sick.

The best way to determine your eligibility for a liver transplant is to undergo a liver transplant evaluation. This includes an assessment by a medical liver specialist, a transplant surgeon, a social worker, a dietitian, a pharmacist, a financial specialist and possibly a psychiatrist.

You will also undergo additional testing to help the team decide the best course of treatment for you.

When all testing has been completed, your case is presented to the Patient Review Committee (PRC). The PRC meets several times per month to discuss patients who are currently on the list and those who have completed evaluation.

Each patient’s case is discussed in detail to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for liver transplantation.

If you’ve been accepted to the transplant list, you and your hepatologist will be notified, and planning will begin. Liver allocation is controlled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services, as well as the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Living donation (partial liver donation) is an option if you have friends or relatives who are willing to be tested for compatibility. According to UNOS, living organ donors make thousands of transplants possible every year. A portion of liver that has been removed for donation can grow back in just a few months, and will regain full function.

Donating a kidney is a selfless gift, and patients in need of kidney transplants rely on the generosity of living donors.

Donor Eligibility

You'll undergo a living donor evaluation to determine if you can safely donate. During the assessment, you’ll meet with the entire team — an independent living donor advocate, a nephrologist, a surgeon and other medical professionals. This team will work together to help you decide whether donating is a safe option for you.

The evaluation process can be as quick as a day or longer, depending on your health and availability. Our primary goals are your safety, health and healing. To begin the screening process to become a living donor, click here.

Living Donor Safety
People with one kidney can and do lead normal lives. There are, of course, risks involved with donation surgery, just like any other surgery. Our surgeons will explain those risks during the evaluation process. After donation, you may have to be more careful about your health and certain medications. Overall, our donors say that kidney donation is a rewarding experience.

How Do I Start the Process?
Transplant centers cannot initiate contact with donors. If you’re interested in donating a kidney, call us at 303-778-5797 or complete our living donor referral form. Once we know you’re interested in donating, we'll gather information about your health and begin the evaluation process.