Pre-Transplant Services

Inova Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program

Inova's Kidney and Pancreas Transplant program offers pediatric and adult patients with end-stage renal disease the best option for a normal and healthy life, free from dialysis and related complications.

We recognize that transplantation can be an unsettling experience for patients and their families. One of our main goals is to help patients resume many of their former activities, and we encourage patients to maximize their quality of life.

Inova provides a range of services to transplant patients:

• support groups
• direct social work
• psychiatric care
• educational presentations (e.g., transplant surgery, diet and exercise, and financial considerations)

Download printable PDF: Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Education 

In addition, pre-transplant patients and their families have the opportunity to speak to other patients who have already been through the transplant process. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns with the transplant coordinators. The coordinators, as well as nurses, psychiatrists, social workers and attending physicians are all available to provide emotional support to patients and families.

The transplant team guides potential candidates through an extensive medical evaluation before accepting them for a transplant procedure.

Listing

Once a patient is accepted for transplantation, they are listed with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). The transplant coordinator will call you when you are placed on the waiting list. An official listing letter will be sent to the patient, nephrologist and dialysis center.

While the patient awaits transplantation, the Inova Transplant Coordinator manages the patient's care with the clinical team. Following transplantation, patients continue to be monitored after they leave Inova Fairfax Hospital. Regular visits are made to Inova Transplant Center to monitor progress and medications.

United Network Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the national computer registration for all patients waiting for organs. UNOS sets policies and standards for all transplant centers across the United States. All transplant centers in the United States must abide by the regulations mandated by UNOS. Washington Regional Transplant Community (WRTC) is our local organ procurement organization (OPO).