|
|
|
Pre-transplant Evaluation |
|
The transplantation process begins when a patient, his or her physician, or dialysis unit staff member calls the UCSD Center for Transplantation to schedule a transplant evaluation. Potential transplant recipients are evaluated by a transplant surgeon, who discusses the benefits and risks of transplantation and immunosuppression with the patient and family. Because a strong family support network is essential to the success of transplantation, the family is an important part of the education process.
After each step, the referring physician is contacted to discuss the results of the evaluation and decisions concerning transplantation. During the entire process, the transplant team encourages the patient and the referring physician to call the pancreas/SKP transplant program with any questions that may arise. A patient's health insurance provider may also need to be involved in the approval process. Our financial coordinator, a specialist in transplant insurance coverage, is available to answer questions throughout the evaluation process.
Once evaluated and accepted, candidates for pancreas alone or kidney-pancreas transplantation are placed on a national computerized waiting list. This list is maintained by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) based in Richmond, Virginia. When a cadaver kidney or pancreas becomes available, priority on the list is determined by a system of points based on the patient's blood type, genetic match with the donor kidney and the amount of time the patient has waited.
Center for Transplantation
Hillcrest Medical Offices South
4168 Front St., Second Floor
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 574-8612
Fax:(619) 296-1852 |