Kidney transplant
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed to restore proper kidney function when your kidney is no longer able to function on its own. A donor kidney will be used to replace the failing kidney with a healthy one.
Kidney transplants in San Antonio
Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant is committed to excellence in kidney transplant care.
We recognize the life-changing impact of a kidney transplant, and we approach the process with the thorough attention and personalized care it deserves. One of the top programs in the United States, the Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program brings together a multidisciplinary team that works towards helping you achieve the most successful outcome possible.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
About the Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program
A kidney transplant can give you freedom, restore your health and double your life expectancy. Our multidisciplinary team in San Antonio provides comprehensive care before, during and after your transplant to ensure that you have the most successful result possible.
Your kidney transplant journey
Referral and evaluation
In order to begin the process for a kidney transplant, you will need to request a consult to get a referral to our program.
To learn more about the Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program, please call (210) 575-8425 or complete the online kidney transplant patient referral form.
Once we receive a referral for your kidney transplant, we will schedule an initial appointment for you to meet with our team. This typically lasts five to seven hours. We will perform a health evaluation, determine any tests you need to complete before your kidney transplant surgery and discuss the available donor options.
During this appointment, you will meet with our:
- Social worker
- Surgeon
- Dietitian
- Nephrologist
- Financial counselor
To make an appointment for your transplant evaluation, please call (844) 746-3338.
Finding a match
There are several factors to consider when evaluating a kidney donor including age, kidney size and infection exposure as well as blood typing and tissue typing. Donors can be living or deceased and may or may not be related. Our transplant team will undergo numerous tests to ensure your donor is a good match for the best possible outcome.
Surgery and recovery
The surgery is performed with anesthesia so you will not be awake. During the procedure, the surgeon will place the new kidney into your body, attaching its blood vessels to the existing blood vessels in your lower abdomen above your leg. Finally, the new kidney’s ureter, linking the bladder to the kidney, is connected.
You may spend anywhere from a few days to a week in the hospital recovering. Upon discharge from the hospital, your care team will want to closely monitor you every few weeks to see how your body is responding to your new kidney. You will need to take medication for the rest of your life to reduce the risk of rejection and other complications like infection.
Kidney transplant donor resources
The choice to donate your kidney a life-changing decision for both the donor and the recipient. At Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant, we offer a program specifically geared toward prospective donors. Becoming a living kidney donor begins with answering a few simple questions from our living donor questionnaire to see if you qualify. Our questionnaire is confidential and secure and should take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
We are excited to share some of our patient stories as they embarked on their transplant journey with us. Read their stories.
Visiting the Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program
The Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program is on the campus of Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant, located on Ewing Halsell Road off of Wurzbach. Parking available in front of the hospital and in a nearby parking garage.
The Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program is located behind Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant off of Wurzbach Rd.
Videos about our Kidney transplant services
Methodist Hospital - Specialty and Transplant Achieves New National Kidney Transplant Milestone
For the first time in history, hospital's program performs over 200 living donor and over 200 deceased donor kidney transplants in a single year. Thank you to all those who contributed to this achievement.