Kidney and Kidney-Pancreas Transplants

The Ochsner kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant team offers care that brings together experts from many fields. Our team includes surgeons, transplant nephrologists, certified transplant coordinators, social workers, nurse coordinators, pharmacists and financial counselors.  Together, they make sure every part of your care is covered.  

Additionally, we work closely with other specialists at Ochsner to help with health needs beyond the transplant, such as:  

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Hematology
• Infectious disease
• Oncology
• Rheumatology
• Vascular medicine
• Urology

Ochsner offers kidney transplants and kidney-pancreas transplants at the Ochsner Transplant Institute located at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans.

Virtual preoperative and postoperative consultations are available for established patients.

When your kidneys stop working and can’t filter waste and fluids from your body, it’s called kidney failure. While kidney failure can’t be cured, it can be treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidney failure often happens because of long-term health problems, such as: 

• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Glomerulonephritis - a condition that causes scar tissue to build up in the part of the kidney that filters waste and extra fluid
• Polycystic kidney disease - cysts develop in the kidneys, eventually causing the kidneys to lose function
• IgA nephropathy - disease where your immune system attacks your kidneys, leading to damage over time
• FSGS: (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) - condition where scar tissue forms in the kidney’s filtering units, causing kidney damage 

Other health challenges can increase the likelihood of developing kidney failure, including: 

• Chronic kidney infections
• Kidney stones
• Lupus
• Obesity
• Untreated strep infections

For people with Type 1, a kidney-pancreas transplant is often recommended. This procedure can also be an option for patients with Type 2 diabetes, depending on their condition. 

The Ochsner Living Donor Kidney Transplant Program provides patients with faster access to life-saving transplants. Living kidney donations reduce or even eliminate waiting times, so patients can receive a transplant before beginning dialysis or experiencing further health decline. About 30% of kidney transplants at Ochsner come from living donors, showcasing this program's vital role in offering hope and saving lives.

If you’re interested in becoming a living donor, complete the online health questionnaire or contact our team at KidneyLivingDonor@ochsner.org.

Learn more about Ochsner’s Living Donor Kidney Transplant Program.

The Ochsner Transplant Institute offers robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, an advanced surgical option designed to improve outcomes for patients. By using minimally invasive robotic technology, surgeons can operate with greater precision through smaller incisions. This technique can help reduce blood loss, shorten hospital stays, and support faster recovery, making the transplant experience safer and less physically demanding for eligible patients. 

At Ochsner, we’re committed to finding innovative solutions for every patient in need of a kidney transplant, even if you and your donor aren’t a match. That’s why we offer the Kidney Paired Exchange Program, a national kidney swap program that gives more people the opportunity to receive life-saving transplants.

Here’s how it works:

• If your donor isn’t a match for you, they can donate their kidney to someone else in need.
• In return, you’ll receive a kidney from another donor who is a match for you.
• All evaluations and surgeries for you and your donor are still performed at Ochsner, ensuring you receive the expert care you deserve.

This program is a testament to our mission to provide hope and healing to patients and their families. At Ochsner, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

During a pancreas transplant, a person whose pancreas isn’t working appropriately receives a healthy pancreas from a donor.

The main reason for pancreas transplant is diabetes, mainly Type 1 diabetes. When a person has Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas either doesn’t produce insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar), and the patient is dependent on insulin injections. A pancreas transplant allows the new pancreas to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels without insulin injections and prevent diabetes from getting worse or causing additional complications.

In most cases, the pancreas is transplanted alongside a kidney transplant. However, there are two other forms of pancreas transplant:

• Pancreas transplant alone - This procedure, which transplants the pancreas alone, is performed on patients with diabetes who have good kidney function but have problems controlling blood sugar levels or experience other diabetic complications despite good medical management.
• Pancreas transplant after kidney transplantation - In this case, the pancreas transplant is performed after the patient has received a kidney transplant, usually from a living donor. This surgery is an option for patients who still have diabetes after their kidney transplant and are exposed to the progressive complications of diabetes.

At the Ochsner Transplant Institute, every patient receives attentive, personalized care. Our approach includes early discharge, close follow-ups and successful outcomes.

Our process streamlines your transplant journey, featuring some of the shortest wait times nationally, an efficient one-day evaluation clinic and support from dedicated transplant coordinators.

With survival rates above national averages, advanced procedures, and a commitment to your recovery, Ochsner stands as a trusted leader in transplant care. 

We understand that transplants don’t just affect the patient. That’s why we offer resources to support families throughout the process.

Support groups

The transplant social workers lead several support groups to assist and educate patients and families with various transplant issues. These support groups meet at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans on Jefferson Highway.

For more information on support groups and meeting dates, contact our social workers at 504-842-3925.

The Brent House Hotel

On-site lodging is available at the Brent House Hotel, our full-service hotel located on the Ochsner Medical Center campus. For reservations or information call 800-535-3986 or visit the Brent House Hotel website.

Interpreter services

Interpreter services are available for all languages, including American Sign Language for the deaf or hard of hearing, for all aspects of your care and treatment with us, at no charge to the patient. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The interpreter may be a face-to-face interpreter, an over-the-phone interpreter or a video remote interpreter. During all other times, the hospital phone operators act as a liaison to access interpreter services.

For more information on interpreter services, call 504-842-1717 or e-mail languageservices@ochsner.org.

Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs)

We understand that keeping up with prescription costs can be challenging, and we’re here to help. We offer assistance with prescription costs through pharmaceutical programs. Talk to your social worker or transplant coordinator right away if you are struggling to keep up with your medicine costs. You can reach out to the Ochsner Transplant Medication Access Specialist at 504-703-3166, or your transplant coordinator can help connect you. We can assist in exploring pharmaceutical programs that may help cover medication costs if you qualify, even if you are underinsured or uninsured.   

The Ochsner Transplant Institute provides consistent follow-up information to all referring physicians via written correspondence. You’ll be kept abreast of initial clinic visits, surgery, hospital discharge and routine follow-up visits to the clinic. After surgery, our team continues to monitor for transplant-related complications and regulates maintenance immunosuppression.

Patients can be referred by sending an eFax to refkidneytx@ochsner.org, calling 504-842-3925, faxing over referrals to 504-842-3343 or by emailing referrals to KidneyTransplant@Ochsner.org.

Am I a candidate for a kidney transplant?

You are a candidate for a kidney transplant evaluation if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are on long-term dialysis
• You have severe kidney disease with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 22 or less. The GFR measures how well your kidneys are working

How do I take the next step? 

• Ask your doctor for a referral to the Ochsner Kidney Transplant program
• Call our transplant program directly to refer yourself. We are here to help guide you.

What health conditions affect kidney transplant eligibility?

Our goal is to ensure every patient has the best possible outcome from a kidney transplant. A thorough evaluation helps us determine if a transplant is the safest and most effective option for you.

Conditions that may prevent transplant eligibility

For your safety, certain health conditions can make a transplant too risky. These include:

• An active infection that is not improving or a wound that will not heal
• Cancer that is untreated, has spread or has a high chance of returning
• Current drug or high alcohol use
• Tobacco use, especially if you have heart or lung problems
• Severe heart or lung conditions that cannot be corrected
• Lung problems that require continuous oxygen support
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40. Your BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
• Serious mental health conditions that are not stable
• A history of not being able to follow your doctor’s treatment plan
• Living permanently in a long-term care facility.
• Being over the age of 75
• Not having a reliable support system of caregivers, family or friends to help you after surgery

Conditions requiring more information before kidney transplant

Some health issues require a closer look before we can proceed. We will work with you to gather more information if you have:

• Severe heart disease
• Dementia (memory and thinking problems) with inadequate support from family or friends
• History of low blood pressure
• HIV
• Poor nutrition that has led to significant weakness
• A BMI over 35
• Parathyroid problems
• Are over age 70 and have two or more of the following:
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Poor blood flow to your legs, also known as peripheral vascular disease
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • A history of stroke
  • Weakness that requires help to walk or stand, not caused by a temporary injury
  • A BMI over 40

Your kidney transplant evaluation and testing: What to expect

Before we schedule your first appointment, our team will complete two important steps:

1. We review your medical information to confirm that you are a candidate for an evaluation
2. We work with your insurance provider to get financial clearance for your care

Your evaluation day and transplant team: Your evaluation appointment is a day for learning and meeting the dedicated experts who will guide you. You will receive detailed education about the kidney transplant process and meet with your personal transplant team. This team works together to create a care plan just for you. Your team includes:

• Transplant surgeon: The expert who performs your transplant surgery
• Transplant nephrology physician or nurse practitioner: A kidney disease specialist who reviews your health records and decides what tests are needed
• Transplant pharmacist: Will manage your medication throughout the transplant process
• Transplant nurse coordinator: Your personal guide and main point of contact throughout the entire evaluation and transplant process
• Financial counselor: Expert in transplant financing who reviews your insurance coverage and explains any costs
• Social worker: A support resource who discusses your personal background, mental health and the support system you have in place
• Dietician: Expert on nutrition who helps you understand how the right foods support your health before and after a transplant
• Infectious disease provider: A specialist who reviews your vaccination history and any past infections to keep you safe

Required testing for your kidney transplant evaluation

As part of your kidney transplant evaluation, you will need to complete several important tests. These tests give us a complete picture of your health and help us determine if you are ready for a successful transplant. Your required testing will include:

• Blood tests
• Standard cancer screenings
• Chest X-ray
• Lab tests to screen for infectious diseases
• An electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart's electrical activity
• An ultrasound of your kidney and abdomen
• CT scans
• Heart function testing
• A consultation with an infectious disease specialist
• Other tests may be needed based on your personal health history and other factors

The transplant committee's decision

• After you have completed all your evaluation testing, our transplant selection committee will carefully review your results. This dedicated team of experts works together to decide if a kidney transplant is the best and safest path forward for you.
• If the committee determines you are an eligible candidate, we will add you to the national transplant waiting list. This list is managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
• We will promptly inform you, your doctor and your dialysis unit (if you have one) of the committee's decision.
• For all candidates, we provide clear communication about the committee's decision and outline the next steps in your health journey.

Effective July 1, 2025, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has selected Ochsner Kidney Transplant Program to participate in the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model. The IOTA Model aims to increase access to life-saving kidney transplants for patients living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and reduce Medicare expenditures. It also aims to improve the quality of care and efficiency of transplant hospitals across the country.

It’s important to do everything your doctor tells you to do, such as taking your medications as prescribed. But you also need to keep up with your routine medical care while you are waiting for a transplant. If you are not up to date on screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer or colon cancer, you will be delayed from going on the transplant list.

Yes. Ochsner offers other multi-organ transplants including liver-kidney and heart-kidney.

A kidney transplant offers substantial advantages for patients with kidney failure, such as:  

• Freedom from dialysis, providing you with more time and a better quality of life
• Improved health and energy levels, allowing for a more active lifestyle  
• Longer life expectancy, compared to remaining on dialysis 

A simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant provides unique benefits, including:  

• Better blood sugar control, reducing the need for insulin injections
• Prolonged kidney health, as controlled blood sugar levels lower strain on the transplanted kidney
• Significant reduction in diabetes-related complications, such as vision problems, heart disease, and nerve damage