Kidney auto transplant is the removal of the affected kidney and ureter and then re-implantation (auto transplant) into the same patient. The kidney/ureter can be repaired before being returned to the body restoring and preserving kidney function.
Who Might Benefit from Kidney Auto Transplant?
Patients with the following conditions-many of whom have suffered pain and discomfort for years may benefit from Kidney auto transplant:
- Shortened, injured or damaged ureter
- Renal artery aneurysm
- Loin Pain hematuria
- Nutcracker syndrome
This is a procedure undertaken only if the condition is not amenable to less invasive procedures.
What to Expect?
Referral
The patient’s medical records and imaging will be reviewed to make sure they are complete and to determine their appropriateness for an evaluation before any appointments are made. Their insurance will also be checked to make certain they have coverage for an evaluation and possible surgery.
Evaluation
The patient will be seen by our multi-disciplinary team which may include any of the following providers:
- Transplant surgeon
- Vascular surgeon
- Urologist
- Nephrologist
- Psychiatrist
- Pain management specialist
- Social work
Our dedicated care coordinator K. Louise Berry RN, BSC will set up all the necessary appointments.
Surgery
Once the patient’s case has been discussed by our team they will make any pre-operative recommendations and/or approval for surgery. The procedure itself usually takes about 4 hours.
In- Hospital Recovery
The patient will recover on our in-patient transplant floor, “11 Pavilion” for approximately 7 days. During this time our team of surgeons, nurses, radiologists and pain management specialists will monitor the patient closely.
Aftercare
Once discharged from the hospital, the patient must stay close to the hospital and clinics for several weeks as there are multiple follow up appointments. There is local housing available including the Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House. Once the patient returns home, they will continue to have follow up appointments with their team of specialists.
For more information on an evaluation appointment contact:
K. Louise Berry, RNCC at 215-662-3350 or via email at KidneyAutoTransplant@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.