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More than 72,000 Texans are living with end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure. For many, a transplant is their best chance for a better life. UT Health Austin – the clinical practice of Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin – and Ascension Seton have launched a new kidney transplant program to ensure that Central Texans get quality care close to where they live. The Adult Abdominal Transplant Center, a program at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas, diagnoses, treats, and manages care for adult patients in need of a kidney as well as patients ready to donate a living kidney.
The average waiting time for a donor kidney is around three to five years, and even longer in some areas of the country, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Several factors affect a patient’s waiting time, and many travel outside of their community for excellent care. The Adult Abdominal Transplant Center meets end-stage renal disease patients where they are – making healthcare more accessible.
“As a partnership between Ascension Seton, Dell Seton Medical Center and UT Health Austin, the Kidney Transplant Program leverages the strengths and resources of our clinical leaders and community health professionals,” said Dr. Nicole Turgeon, Transplant Director for the Adult Abdominal Transplant Center and Professor in the Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care at Dell Med. “Our goal is to be recognized as one of the leading centers for solid organ transplantation in the country. Most importantly, this program is a hopeful resource for patients with complex transplant cases, ”she said.
“The transplant program will provide patients with kidney failure with advanced care with innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technology. Our collaborative team of renowned surgeons, specialists and staff will provide excellent care for the central Texas community, ”said Timothy Bierty, Regional Hospital President, Dell Seton Medical Center, University of Texas.
Kidney failure, or end-stage kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys can no longer function at a level necessary for daily life. Once this happens, the kidneys’ work – filtering the blood to remove waste and excess water – can be done with dialysis, or the kidneys can be replaced with a transplant. The advantage of transplantation over dialysis is that patients can return to a more normal lifestyle.
As well as major surgery, an organ transplant is an extensive process that involves regular testing and ongoing communication between the patient and the medical team while candidates wait for donor organs. This new program brings care closer to home so that they can better meet all pre- and post-surgery milestones and receive valuable training and support.
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https://dellmed.utexas.edu/news/kidney-transplant-center-offers-new-hope-for-central-texans
