Vanderbilt Transplant

After you arrive at the hospital, you can expect the following:

• A nurse will weigh you, take your temperature, pulse and blood pressure, and measure your breathing rate (by counting your respirations)
• A doctor will perform a physical examination, which includes listening to your heart and lungs and examining your abdominal and groin areas
• You will meet with the transplant surgeon and sign a consent form for the operation
• An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in a vein in your arm. This enables us to administer any necessary medications and keep you from getting dehydrated. This line and other lines will still be in place when you wake up after your operation.
• Blood will be taken from your arm and sent to the laboratory for necessary tests. These tests include kidney and liver function tests as well as red and white blood cell counts.
• A urine sample will be sent to the laboratory (if you produce urine).
• A chest X-ray may be taken if you have not had one recently.
• An electrocardiogram (EKG) may be done if you have not had one recently.
• Several blood tests will be done, including a final crossmatch with the donor.
• Several doctors will examine you and ask questions about your medical history.
• Someone from the anesthesia department will visit you to ask questions and decide which type of anesthesia is best for you.

In addition, you may be given a sedative to relax you before the surgery. You will be brought to the hospital floor that is called the anesthesia holding area, or you may go directly to the operating room. Your family can stay with you until that time.

On rare occasions, you may need dialysis immediately before surgery if your blood tests indicate you need it.