Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

Texas Kidney Institute

A multidisciplinary program at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, the Texas Kidney Institute is a recognized leader in the treatment of kidney disease, an illness that affects more than 7.5 million American adults. Our specialists are on the frontline of disease management for kidney disorders, immunosuppressant research and surgical advances. The institute has performed more than 2,500 kidney transplants since it was founded in 1977.

Consecutively ranked in the annual survey of U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Hospitals, the Texas Kidney Institute is at the forefront of developing new treatments for dialysis, kidney transplantation, kidney-pancreas transplantation and pancreas transplantation for adults and children. Our clinical team includes surgeons on the faculty at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, care coordinators, pharmacists, dietitians and social workers.

• Selection of Kidney Transplant Candidates
• Living-Related Donor Transplantation
• Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation
• Care Coordinator
• Support for Families
• Follow-up Care
• Partnerships with Primary Care Physicians

Selection of Kidney Transplant Candidates
For kidney transplant recipients, organ allocation is based on time on the waiting list. Additional points are given to pediatric patients up to the age of 17 years. Your evaluation by a physician should be completed as quickly as possible; time begins accruing as soon as patients are placed on the waiting list. Waiting times vary based on a patient’s blood type.
   

Living-Related Donor Transplantation
Living-related donor nephrectomy is available both as an open procedure and laparoscopically for donors whose kidneys meet precise structural requirements. The promise of less pain, shorter hospitalization and improved cosmesis is making living-related donor nephrectomy a more attractive option.

Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation
Memorial Hermann-TMC is also known for excellent outcomes in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and pancreas-only transplantation (PTA). For 28 SPK patients transplanted between January 1, 2003, and June 30, 2005, the one-year survival rate is nearly 97 percent, with a three-year survival of 93 percent. For three PTA patients transplanted during the same time period, three-year survival is 100 percent.

Care Coordinator
Adults and children referred to the Texas Kidney Institute are immediately assigned to a care coordinator when they select transplantation as a potential treatment option. Our “one-coordinator-does-it-all” concept ensures continuity of care through each stage of the process. Our transplant care coordinators are on call 24 hours a day.

Support for Families
Patients and their families are reassured and educated about disease management and/or the transplant process by our physicians and specially trained team of registered nurses, dietitians, social workers and Child Life specialists. Financial counselors and housing specialists are also available.

Follow-up Care
The institute follows all kidney transplant patients for the life of their kidney to ensure the patient’s health, track long-term outcomes and better understand the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

Partnerships with Primary Care Physicians
A continuous flow of communication between the Texas Kidney Institute and primary care physicians is fundamental to a successful outcome. When transplantation is indicated, the patient’s referring physician is updated pre- and post-transplant. Information about post-transplant care and immunosuppressive drug therapy and drug interactions is available for referring physicians upon request.