More than 103,000 people in the United States are currently on the national transplant waiting list. Of those, nearly 90,000 are waiting for a kidney transplant, making it the most in-demand organ. In addition, around 10,000 of these patients reside in Texas.
If you're living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), your medical team may discuss a kidney transplant as a treatment option. For many people with advanced kidney disease, transplant offers a longer and better quality of life than dialysis.
When Is a Kidney Transplant Needed?
The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. When kidney function drops significantly, this process is impaired, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body.
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease progresses in five stages. Stage 5 CKD indicates severe kidney dysfunction — however, it does not necessarily mean dialysis has started. End-stage renal disease (ESRD), by contrast, refers to the point at which dialysis is needed or a kidney transplant becomes necessary.
When kidney function falls below 20%, patients can be evaluated for a transplant. At that stage, the two main treatment options are dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Looking for a second opinion? Call 210-358-7578 and request an appointment with our kidney specialists at our Nephrology Clinic.
Why Choose Transplant Over Dialysis?
While dialysis can sustain life, it is time-intensive and can significantly limit lifestyle and independence. In contrast, kidney transplantation provides a better quality of life and has been shown to double the average survival compared to dialysis.
Patients who receive a kidney transplant often enjoy:
- Greater freedom to work, travel and socialize
- Fewer dietary and fluid restrictions
- Better overall health and energy levels
The Power of Living Donation
Living donor transplantation is the fastest way to receive a kidney and consistently results in the best long-term outcomes for recipients.
At University Health Transplant Institute, we are especially proud of our exceptional patient and graft survival rates in living donor transplants. We are equally committed to our donors.
We understand how generous it is to be a living donor, so we ensure each donor receives:
- Comprehensive pre- and post-donation evaluations
- Emotional, medical and logistical support
- Long-term follow-up care to safeguard their health and satisfaction
Our program is designed not only to help patients receive life-changing transplants but also to honor, protect and support those who make it possible.
Other Types of Kidney Transplant
If a living donor is not available, patients may be placed on the national waiting list for a deceased donor kidney. The average wait times can range from 6 to 9 years, depending on blood type, sensitization (antibody levels) and other factors.
At University Health, we excel in finding compatible matches more efficiently. Our program consistently reduces wait times to nearly half the state average through innovative matching strategies and close collaboration with organ procurement networks.
What Happens While You Wait for a Transplant
Practicing healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly and eating a kidney-friendly diet, can help ensure you’re healthy when a kidney becomes available — and for years afterward with your new kidney.
Next Steps If You’re Considering Transplant
If you're in Stage 3b or later of CKD, your provider may begin the transplant evaluation process. This includes:
- Blood work and imaging
- A psychosocial assessment
- Education about transplant options, including living donation
If no living donor is available, you will be placed on the national transplant waiting list.
Leaders in Kidney Transplant Care
For over 40 years, University Health Transplant Institute, in partnership with UT Health San Antonio, has transformed lives through advanced kidney transplant care for both adult and pediatric patients.
To learn more or begin your transplant journey, call 210-567-5777 or request an appointment online.
A Program Focused on Long-Term Success
At University Health Transplant Institute, our mission doesn’t stop with the transplant surgery. We are committed to helping patients and their new kidneys thrive for years to come.
We offer:
- Tailored immunosuppression plans
- Individualized follow-up care
- Education and support services
Our outcomes are regularly reported by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) and consistently surpass national benchmarks. You can view our data on the SRTR website.
