Transplantation involves removing a damaged organ from your body and replacing it with a healthy one. Your new organ comes from a donor. The donor may be a living relative, a living non-relative, or a non-living person.

The organ transplant process includes:

1. Evaluation

The first step in the process is an evaluation. Your transplant team will give you a full medical exam and discuss your medical history. They will determine whether you can benefit from transplant surgery.

2. HLA Typing

HLA typing is a test that identifies antigens (proteins) in your blood. Antigens tell your body to attack foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. They can also tell your body to attack (reject) a new organ. HLA typing helps us match you to a donated organ that your body is less likely to reject.

3. Transplant Waiting List

After you qualify for transplant surgery, your transplant team will add you to a local and national waiting list. Waiting periods can vary, but we will be here to support your health the whole time. When you match with a compatible donor organ, your transplant team will schedule your surgery.

4. Surgery and Hospital Stay

Your exact procedure and hospital stay will depend on the type of transplant you have. You will learn about the medications you need to prevent your body from rejecting your new organ. You will also learn how to watch for symptoms of rejection.

5. Follow-Up Care

Your transplant team will monitor your recovery. You will see your transplant specialist for weekly follow-up appointments. You will need lab tests to check for organ rejection and infection. If any problems come up, our transplant team will be ready to handle them.

When an organ stops working, you may need transplant surgery to improve your quality of life. There are different reasons why organs fail.