University Hospitals Kidney Transplant Program Celebrates Over 50 Years of Excellent Service
From our first transplant in 1968 until today, the Kidney Transplant Program at University Hospitals Transplant Institute celebrates decades of successful service to transplant patients in Northeast Ohio and across the country.
Refer a Patient or Learn More about Kidney Transplant Program
To refer a patient call 216-844-3689 or to speak with a transplant specialist, call 216-286-6830.
Why Choose UH for Kidney Transplant?
At UH Transplant Institute, our leading-edge surgeons and transplant team are passionate about extending and improving the quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Kidney transplant success rates at UH meet or exceed the national averages. It is our utmost goal to ensure the highest rate of transplant success so that our patients are able to start living normal lives again – whether working, exercising, enjoying social events, or resuming an active role in the family.
From the initial consultation to the actual transplant to the follow-up visits, we stay in close contact with both the patient and the referring physician. Our team members are available around the clock for any issues or concerns.
Am I a Candidate?
Find out what health conditions may qualify for a kidney transplant and how transplant candidates are selected.
Patient Evaluation
Kidney transplant candidates will undergo a series of tests and evaluations and will be given in-depth information on the transplant process.
Waiting List
Patients who qualify for a kidney transplant will be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) kidney transplant waiting list.
What to Expect
Find out what happens on the day of your transplant surgery.
Follow-Up Care
After a kidney transplant, patients will be required to take anti-rejection drugs and will have regular follow-up appointments with the transplant team.
Living Donor Transplant
To cut down on transplant wait list times, some kidney transplant candidates choose to accept a donated kidney from a healthy family member or friend.
For Clinicians: When to Refer a Patient
Learn about when a patient with end-stage renal disease should be referred to UH Transplant Institute for a kidney transplant.
Multidisciplinary Kidney Transplant Program
Our Kidney Transplant Program brings together a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled medical experts who are experienced in treating patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
In addition to our expert nephrologists (kidney specialists) and transplant surgeons, The UH Transplant Institute team also includes:
- Administrative support
- Cardiologists
- Hepatologists (liver specialists)
- Infectious disease
- Medical assistants
- Outreach
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacists
- Pulmonologists (lung specialists)
- Social workers
- Surgeons
- Transplant dietitians
- Transplant financial counselors
- Transplant nurse coordinators
UH Transplant Institute also brings together experts from:
- Anesthesiology
- Child life
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Physical therapy
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Research and Clinical Trials
Patients in the kidney transplant program at UH benefit from the extensive clinical and academic research being conducted at UH Transplant Institute, in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. We also offer a number of clinical trials sponsored by National Institutes of Health and Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation (CTOT).
Patient Stories
Kaylin’s Story
Eight years ago, Kaylin Cassity went to the hospital because she had been experiencing persistent headaches and nausea. According to Kaylin, that visit turned out to be truly life-saving.
Patricia’s Story
Patricia met her organ donor while telling a story at work. The two have since become friends who travel together every year.