The Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation performs kidney transplants, both cadaver and living donor, simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplants, pancreas after kidney transplants, and a large volume of dialysis access procedures for patients with end-stage renal disease. In addition, Division members perform general surgical procedures in the ESRD or transplant population and are active in many different clinical research activities. The Division includes services at both VUMC and the VA Medical Center.
PGY 2 residents are assigned to this service for five-week rotations, and PGY 3 residents for 6.5 weeks. During these rotations they gain experience in management of surgical problems in chronic renal failure patients including all aspects of kidney and pancreas transplantation, as well as vascular access for dialysis, hyperparathyroidism, and problems with the alimentary tract. They also gain experience with immunosuppression and control of rejection.
Vanderbilt's kidney transplant program has performed over 4,000 transplants since the program was established in 1962. The program, performing over 125 transplants annually, has been recognized as a national leader for the number of renal transplants performed, the patient survival rates, and the long-term function of the transplanted kidney. The pancreas transplant program and the combined kidney/pancreas program provide whole organ transplantation to recipients with diabetes mellitus.
The kidney transplant program and the pancreas transplant program are a part of the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, a multi-disciplinary approach by Vanderbilt to the rapidly advancing field of transplantation. The Vanderbilt Transplant Center also includes Vanderbilt's well-established heart and lung transplant, bone marrow transplant, and liver transplant programs.