Transplant Surgeon

Short Description

The transplant surgeon performs the operation, connects the new kidney to your blood vessels and bladder, controls bleeding, and manages any surgical issues during the hospital stay.

Main Priorities

• Plan and perform the operation safely (incision, exposure, handling scar tissue).
• Connect artery/vein to pelvic vessels so blood flows through the kidney.
• Attach the ureter to the bladder; place a temporary internal stent when needed.
• Decide on drains (JP) or a wound vacuum and set removal criteria.
• Control bleeding, prevent clots, and protect the bladder connection (no excess tension).
• Set early activity limits and coordinate pain control with anesthesia and the inpatient team.
• Update family after surgery and when you’re settled in recovery or your room.

Issues They Work With

• Complex anatomy or prior abdominal surgeries that change the approach.
• Bleeding, hematoma, or need to return to the OR if bleeding persists.
• Urine leak or ureteral narrowing (may require stent/exchange or procedure).
• Fluid collections near the kidney (seroma/lymphocele) that sometimes need drainage.
• Wound problems and incisional/inguinal hernias.
• Delayed graft function—they coordinate with the medical team if dialysis is needed short term.

When to Go to Them

• Pre-op consult: get incision/approach details, device plans (stent, JP, wound vac), and specific risks for you.
• In hospital: questions about lines/drains, incision concerns, or if pain/swelling worsens around the surgical site.
• After discharge: new or worsening redness, drainage, bulge at the incision, persistent fluid from a drain, or trouble after stent removal—contact the transplant team; the surgeon’s group will be looped in.

What They Don’t Handle (Boundaries)

• Long-term medication dosing or lab-by-lab immunosuppression changes — nephrologist/pharmacist manage this.
• Routine refills, day-to-day scheduling, and forms — coordinator/social worker/clinic handle these.
• Non-surgical symptoms (fever, blood pressure, electrolytes) — call the transplant clinic; they will route as needed.
• Emergencies (severe chest pain, breathing trouble, heavy bleeding) — use on-call instructions or 911.

Informational only; roles vary by center. Follow your surgical team’s specific instructions.