This content is provided for informational purposes
only, and is not intended
to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating
a
health problem. Please consult with your physician about your specific health
care concerns.
Q
: 31
04/14/2011 |
What are the risks involved with distal pancreatectomy surgery?
Overall, this surgery can be performed with little risk
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Q
: 32
03/26/2011 |
I had a pancreatectomy due to a very large polyp. I am now type 1 insulin dependent. I have been to the hospital over 32 times in the last year due to low levels. Can I get a pancreas transplant? Is it expensive?
You would be a good candidate for a pancreas transplant. The transplant should be covered by insurance, especially if it follows a pancreas resection. This could be discussed at the time of the evaluation. If you want to be evaluated, make an appointment at 410 328-5408.
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Q
: 33
03/08/2011 |
My friend is 48 and wants to donate a kidney to his father who is 77. His doctor said that the donor should be closer in age. Is that true?
That is probably the doctor's bias, but it does carry some relevance when talking about deceased donors. However, when it comes to living donation, the donor does not have to be closer in age, especially if it means getting his father off dialysis, or preventing dialysis.
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Q
: 34
03/03/2011 |
Does the University of Maryland Medical Center participate in clinical trials for liver transplant patients?
Yes, we do participate in clinical trials.
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Q
: 35
02/20/2011 |
Can the pancreas transplant be done at the same time as the kidney transplant?
Not only can it be done simultaneously, it is the preferred method.
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Q
: 36
02/19/2011 |
Are there higher risks for having polycystic kidneys removed after transplant than before because of the drug regimen?
The immunosuppression needed to prevent rejection can impact wound healing and wound infections, so the logic is to do the nephrectomy first. However, we have found that doing the nephrectomies and kidney transplant at the same time yields the best results since dialysis can be avoided, and this is done in one operation. You can read about this in our website (www.umm.edu/transplant).
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Q
: 37
02/11/2011 |
What clinical factors decrease the waiting period for a patient on the kidney transplant list (similar to the MELD score for liver transplant)?
Listing for kidney transplantation is very different than liver. The kidney transplant waiting list is heavily dependent on the waiting time, whereas this is not the case with livers. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do to expedite this.
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Q
: 38
01/31/2011 |
Are pesticides (bed bug spray) dangerous to a kidney/pancreas transplant patient?
The pesticide to get rid of bed bugs (which are present but you can't see them) should NOT harm your K/P. You have to take your usual precautions and avoid the rooms for a recommended period of time.
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Q
: 39
01/25/2011 |
Can a 60-year-old person with inherited kidney disease from their father consider a donated kidney from a brother or sister of approximately the same age who didn't inherit the disease? Or would there be some risk that the disease may be latent in them?
It of course depends on the disease, but if it is a genetic inheritance, and the siblings are spared by genetic testing, then they should be able to donate.
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Q
: 40
01/22/2011 |
My father has metastatic
cancer on the liver. The actual cancer
is on the colon. I would like to know
whether I or my brothers/sisters could donate part of our liver for our
dad?
Liver transplantation is not a cure for metastatic colon cancer, since it usually recurs elsewhere.
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Q
: 41
01/21/2011 |
What is the typical amount of time it takes to recover from a kidney transplant?
For living donor kidney transplants, most patients are out of the hospital in 3-5 days, and back to work in 4-6 weeks without restrictions except heavy lifting. For deceased donor transplants, its about 5-8 days in the hospital and 6-8 weeks before going back to work.
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Q
: 42
11/09/2010 |
Is it true that I have to have dialysis before I can have a kidney transplant? My kidneys are at 20 percent. I am 54 years old, have been diabetic for 49 years and on a pump since 2005. My nephew is insisting I get the stent inserted before I feel too sick.
Absolutely not. It is best to be referred before you go on dialysis. Data shows that if you get transplanted before ever going on dialysis (at the last point of your kidney disease), you are likely to have a better outcome. Not to mention avoiding the surgeries necessary for dialysis. It also sounds like you are a type 1 diabetic and would need a kidney and pancreas simultaneously. Even if you have a living kidney donor it can be done with a cadaver pancreas simultaneously. You should list at a transplant center in your area and double list with us.
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Q
: 43
10/22/2010 |
Are pancreatic cancer patients eligible for a transplant?
Unfortunately patients who have or have had pancreatic cancer are not eligible for a transplant.
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Q
: 44
10/06/2010 |
How long is the screening process if I want to donate a kidney to my spouse?
The living donor workup can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months depending on how complicated the donor is.
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Q
: 45
09/26/2010 |
Is their an age limit to receive a kidney transplant?
Not at UMMC. We have transplanted people in their 80's. If you are getting turned down for age, you can contact us for a second opinion. Call 410 328-5408 to set up an evaluation.
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