Awake Kidney Transplant: A Safer Solution for Patients - Health

Revolutionizing Kidney Transplantation Procedures

In a groundbreaking move at Northwestern Medicine, a kidney transplant surgery was performed on a patient who remained awake throughout the entire procedure. John Nicholas, a 28-year-old individual from Chicago, underwent the surgery and was discharged the following day. This innovative approach involved the use of spinal anesthesia instead of the traditional general anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with the procedure and shortening the hospital stay for patients.

This is the first case at Northwestern Medicine where a patient was awake during an entire kidney transplant procedure and went home the next day, basically making this an outpatient procedure. Our hope is that awake kidney transplantation can decrease some of the risks of general anesthesia while also shortening a patients hospital stay, said Satish Nadig, MD, PhD, transplant surgeon and director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center.

The surgery, conducted by Dr. Nadig, Vinayak Rohan, MD, transplant surgeon, and Vicente Garcia Tomas, MD, anesthesiologist, lasted less than two hours. The use of spinal anesthesia allowed John to be conscious during the procedure, providing a unique experience for the patient. This approach not only enhances the patient's experience but also offers a safer alternative for individuals who may be at a higher risk for complications related to general anesthesia.

Awake Kidney Transplant: A Safer Solution for Patients

A New Era in Transplant Medicine

The awake kidney transplantation technique represents a significant advancement in the field of transplant medicine. By allowing patients to remain conscious during the surgery and reducing the hospitalization period, this method offers a promising solution for individuals with specific medical conditions or concerns about general anesthesia. The successful outcome of John Nicholas's surgery highlights the potential benefits of this approach in improving patient care and outcomes.

Although Nicholas did receive sedation for comfort, he said he was still aware of what was going on.

The implementation of the AWAKE Program at Northwestern Medicine showcases a commitment to providing innovative and patient-centered care in the realm of transplantation. By offering accelerated surgery without general anesthesia for kidney transplants, the hospital aims to cater to the unique needs and preferences of patients while maintaining high standards of care and safety. This program serves as an additional tool in the medical community's efforts to enhance transplant procedures and optimize patient outcomes.

Personalized Care and Medical Breakthroughs

John Nicholas's journey to receiving a kidney transplant exemplifies the power of friendship and medical innovation. Initially diagnosed with Crohn's disease at a young age, Nicholas faced challenges with his kidney health that ultimately led to the need for a transplant. Despite the obstacles he encountered, the support of his best friend, Pat Wise, who donated a kidney, played a vital role in his successful surgery and recovery.

The hospital now plans to establish the AWAKE Program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation) for patients who want or need to pursue surgery without general anesthesia.

The collaborative efforts of the medical team, led by Dr. Satish Nadig and Dr. Vinayak Rohan, underscore the importance of patient-centered care and personalized treatment approaches in transplantation. Through innovative techniques like awake kidney transplantation, the field of medicine continues to evolve, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and advancing the standard of care in organ transplantation.