Methodist Transplant Institute located at Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant in the heart of San Antonio is recognized both nationally and throughout the world as a leader in transplant services. We offer patients and their families individualized, efficient care before and after organ transplantation. Our experienced team of medical professionals have worked with 5,000 kidney, liver and pancreas transplant recipients.

Referral and evaluation

A physician referral and initial consult are required to begin the organ transplant process. To learn more, complete the transplant referral form or call (210) 575-8425.

Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program

Nationally recognized as one of the top programs in the country, the Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney Transplant Program led the state in the number of adult kidney transplants performed (359). We've led the U.S in living donor transplants, performing 208 in the year 2020 alone. Our multidisciplinary team in San Antonio provides comprehensive throughout every step of your transplant journey.

Methodist Transplant Institute Liver Transplant Program

The Methodist Transplant Institute Liver Transplant Program is known throughout the U.S. for providing patients successful liver transplants, touting a 95% patient survival rate after one year — the best in the nation. Since 2001 we have performed over 700 liver transplants.

Methodist Transplant Institute Pancreas Transplant Program

As one of the top choices in Texas for pancreas and kidney-pancreas transplant, our Methodist Transplant Institute Pancreas Transplant Program is comprised of our multidisciplinary team, committed to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Methodist Transplant Institute Living Kidney Donor Program

The Methodist Transplant Institute Living Kidney Donor Program is designed for those patients who have made the significant decision to donate a kidney and give the gift of life. Donors will undergo a series of evaluation consisting of lab work, diagnostic imaging and psychosocial evaluation prior to surgery.

Methodist Transplant Institute is dedicated to providing innovative, cutting edge comprehensive care for organ transplantation. We are located on the Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant campus off of Ewing Halsell Dr. in the Medical Center. Patients will receive care at one of the patient care centers below, located within the institute:

• Methodist Transplant Institute Kidney and Pancreas Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute Liver Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute Living Kidney Donor Patient Care Center

As a part of the Methodist Transplant Institute, we also have patient care centers located throughout the Greater San Antonio area. Open either on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, patients who do not live locally are able to receive their initial transplant evaluation.

For patients who have received a transplant and are one-year into recovery and in good health, you may have the option to receive follow-up care at one of the patient care centers below:

• Methodist Transplant Institute Austin Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute Corpus Christi Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute El Paso Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute Laredo Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute Lubbock Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute McAllen Patient Care Center
• Methodist Transplant Institute Waco Patient Care Center

A dedicated and committed team is key to a successful transplant and recovery. Doctors at the Methodist Transplant Institute know that the transplant process can be an emotional one, so the members of your transplant team will meet with you and your family in a private setting to deliver a personalized experience.

We'll also work to keep your referring physician informed so that you receive seamless care throughout the transplant journey.

Depending on the type of transplant you are receiving, your transplant team may have different members. Because the procedure has many body parts learning to rework together after the transplant, your team includes a mix of specialists, such as:

• Cardiologists
• Clinical coordinators
• Hepatologists
• Nephrologists
• Pharmacists
• Psychiatrists
• Social workers
• Transplant surgeons

This group works collaboratively during your evaluation, preoperative care, surgery and postoperative care. They also connect you with support groups and financial planning resources.

Additional transplant information

Here is more information from the Methodist Transplant Institute about the process and what you may need to have a successful procedure and recovery.

Financial costs

Medical expenses for an organ donor, including evaluation, surgery, hospitalization and after-care, are typically covered by the organ recipient's insurance. It is against federal law for anyone to pay directly for living organs, but it is acceptable for a recipient to cover expenses for any travel, lodging or lost wages resulting from the donation.

Research trials

Methodist Transplant Institute maintains an active research division, in partnership with colleagues at other hospitals across the U.S. Clinical investigations are evaluating current protocols for kidney transplants that may prolong survival rates, decrease rejection episodes or decrease the side effects of anti-rejection drugs.

You may benefit from a research protocol or study as part of your transplant. If possible, you will be given detailed information about the study. However, enrolling in a research study is voluntary.

Steroid-free protocols

Studies have shown that steroid use has side effects, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and weight gain. However, medical breakthroughs have made it possible to avoid steroids while still minimizing the chance of organ rejection. Approximately 80 percent of those in our program are steroid-free.

Types of organ transplant donors

You may need a donation for a a liver transplant or a kidney transplant because yours is no longer properly functioning or cannot be repaired or saved. After an evaluation to determine the severity of your organ failure and your transplant eligibility, you will be placed on a waiting list while a donor is found.

Deceased donor transplant

Donation of a deceased loved one's healthy organs gives you the opportunity to continue living a long and full life. Many transplant donations are made by the families of deceased individuals who believe in giving back.

If receiving an organ from a living donor is not preferred or possible, you will be placed on the waiting list for a deceased donor. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is responsible for the allocation of these donations. UNOS uses a specific set of criteria to match the organ to the recipient.

Living donor transplant

Receiving a living donor transplant is preferable to a deceased donor transplant. Living donor organs function longer in the body and ensure more positive outcomes. Living donor transplants are usually possible with organs such as the kidney, where a person can offer to donate one of their own organs. Sometimes, partial donations from living donors are also possible.

Altruistic donation (non-directed donor)

An altruistic donation is when a person volunteers to donate an organ to an unknown recipient. A non-directed altruistic donor can either donate into the paired donation program to create a "chain" of transplants, or donate anonymously to a single patient on the national transplant waitlist.

Living Donor Champion (LDC) program - do you have this?

Finding a living donor can be a difficult task, and it can also be uncomfortable to discuss donation with others. Through our LDC program, you have the opportunity to identify a friend or family member to become your personal LDC. We will provide education and training to your LDC so they can tell your story to others and help identify a living donor for you.

After transplant surgery

Following surgery, you'll be moved to an intensive care unit, where you can expect to spend several days. This allows our post-operative team to closely monitor your condition. Once you are stable enough, we will move you to an inpatient room.

Your will then follow a plan, developed by the transplant team, to guide you through all aspects of your recovery. The plan includes:

• Medication schedules
• Exercise regimens
• Dietary restrictions
• Lifestyle modifications

After leaving the hospital, you'll need to stay close by for up to three months. This allows the transplant team to monitor you and ensure a successful outcome. You can expect to be seen at least twice during the week immediately following discharge.

As part of the follow-up care, financial coordinators and social workers will review your financial plan and provide any additional assistance needed.