Kidney Transplants for Children and Teens at The Children’s Hospital
The Pediatric Kidney Transplant program was relocated to The Children’s Hospital in 1990, after originating at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in the 1960’s. We remain affiliated with the University of Colorado Hospital, where adult transplants are performed. Our multidisciplinary team consists of qualified healthcare professionals who are dedicated to the well being of your child and family. In addition to the transplant program at The Children’s Hospital, you and your child have access to the services of one of the nation’s leading pediatric healthcare centers.
The Kidney Transplant Program
Children’s Hospital Kidney Transplant team is committed to innovative care and strong integrated support for you, your child and family. It is important to know that transplantation is not a cure; it is a treatment option for end-stage renal failure. This requires a lifelong commitment to taking medication and receiving consistent medical treatment from healthcare providers. The goal of transplantation is to give your child the best treatment for end-stage renal failure, establish normal renal function and allow for improved quality of life.
The Kidney Transplant Team at The Children’s Hospital
The Pediatric Transplant Program consists of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers that can assist your child and your family through the transplant process. Your transplant coordinator will help organize the team to ensure that you meet all the participants. You will create important, long term relationships with several members of the team, and may have met several members already. The descriptions below should help you understand how each member plays a significant role in your child’s care.
- Transplant Surgeon is a physician who is specialized in the skill of transplant surgery. He works along with another transplant surgeon or urologist (a surgeon who specializes in urinary tract surgery) when transplanting the new kidney.
- Surgical Transplant Coordinator is a nurse works closely with the transplant surgeon and will meet with you to discuss the risks of surgery and the advantages and disadvantages of both cadaveric and living related transplant. The surgical transplant coordinator is specialized and certified in clinical transplant coordination and often has experience with other solid organ transplants.
- Transplant Nephrologists is a physician who specializes in the medical management of pediatric patients with kidney and related diseases. This physician has already become involved in your child’s care and treatment of end-stage kidney failure and will participate in the transplant process.
- Transplant Nurse Coordinator is a pediatric nurse who works closely with the nephrologists and other team members to manage evaluation and post-transplant recovery and care. This nurse is specialized in the care of renal patients and has experience with dialysis and transplants.
- Transplant Social Worker is a licensed clinical social worker and has experience with patients with end-stage kidney disease. The social worker manages and councils patients and families on transplant and any time throughout the transplant experience.
- Transplant Dietician is registered in the specialty of nutrition and has several years of experience with patients diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. The dietician works with patients that have kidney transplants. The dietician will meet with your child during the evaluation, waiting time and post-transplant to assess and evaluate their growth and specific nutritional needs.
