Adult Kidney Transplant Program

The kidney transplant program at Baystate Medical Center provides care for people with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure).

Whether you need a kidney transplant or would like to donate a kidney, we provide the highest quality of personalized care. Our expert multidisciplinary team will guide you through your journey from referral to surgery and recovery. 

Process for Patients and Living Donors

To be evaluated for kidney transplant, you will first need a referral from your nephrologist (kidney doctor). Talk with your nephrologist if you are interested in being referred.

What are the requirements for transplant evaluation?

• Insurance coverage: Once your referral is received, we will verify that you have appropriate insurance coverage for transplant at our center.

• Health screenings: Next, we will make sure you are up to date on your health screenings. Health screenings are recommended screenings by the American Cancer Society such as a colonoscopy, mammogram, pap smear, etc. Your age and gender determine what screenings you need.

Evaluation for Transplant Surgery

Once we have verified that you are up to date on your health screenings, you will be scheduled for an all-day comprehensive transplant evaluation appointment where you will meet with all members of our multidisciplinary team. 

You will also complete laboratory testing, an EKG, and a chest X-ray. After this appointment, additional testing or consult appointments may be required as part of your evaluation.

Who is Eligible for Transplant Surgery?

You may be eligible for a kidney transplant at our center if:

• You are on dialysis or have a Glomerular Filtration Rate (kidney function) equal or less than 20%
• You are free from severe liver, heart, vascular or lung disease
• You do not have active cancer or a history of cancer that has spread
• You are not actively abusing alcohol, nicotine or illicit drugs
• You are not overweight (BMI under 40)
• You are able to care for the transplant, take medications as directed, have at least one person to provide care to you and have transportation to appointments

If you are eligible, what are the next steps?

Next our multidisciplinary team will review and determine if you are appropriate to be listed for transplant on the deceased donor kidney transplant waiting list or if you can be scheduled for a living donor kidney transplant.

After being listed on the deceased donor kidney transplant waiting list, you will be seen in our clinic at least once a year and will be asked to keep up to date on health screenings. Additional consults and testing may be needed while you are waiting for a transplant.

Transplant Surgery

When you come to the office for your one-day comprehensive evaluation, your transplant surgeon will talk with you about your surgical options. Most transplants are done using the latest in minimally invasive techniques (associated with less pain and a shorter hospital stay).

Patients recover at slightly different rates after kidney transplant surgery. Most stay in the hospital from 2-5 days. We will work with you to tailor your home recovery to your individual needs.

Two Types of Kidney Transplants

1. Living Donor Kidney Transplant: A living person donates a kidney directly to you or through a paired exchange. Living Donor Kidney Transplant is the fastest and best option because you get a healthy kidney from a living donor.

2. Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant: The kidney is received from a deceased donor (individual that has died).

Kidney Transplant Resources

The following websites provide additional information on kidney transplant:

• United Network for Organ Sharing
• National Kidney Foundation
• National Institute of Health