Kidney transplant in Milwaukee

A kidney transplant can be a life-changing option when your kidneys can no longer filter waste and fluid from your blood. At Aurora Health Care, we’re advancing the field through innovative surgical techniques and comprehensive support before, during and after your kidney transplant surgery.

Why Aurora for kidney transplant in Milwaukee?

Aurora Health Care provides expert kidney transplant surgery for patients across Wisconsin. As a leading Wisconsin kidney transplant center, our surgeons have pioneered minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and improve long-term outcomes, especially for patients needing both a liver and a kidney transplant.

We are proud to offer some of the most advanced kidney transplant surgery options in the nation at the Kidney Transplant Program at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.

What is a kidney transplant?

Your kidneys are small organs that filter out waste and excess fluids to keep your body in balance. If they stop working, dangerous toxins can build up and cause serious health complications.

A kidney transplant involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into your body. Over time, the healthy kidney grows and fully takes over the job of filtering your blood. Both the donor and recipient can live healthy, active lives with one functioning kidney.

Conditions treated with kidney transplant surgery

A kidney transplant may be an option if you have:

• End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
• Chronic kidney disease (stage 4 or 5)
• Diabetes-related kidney failure
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Congenital kidney defects
• Kidney damage due to high blood pressure

If you’re currently undergoing dialysis or exploring alternatives, our team of urology experts can help you determine whether kidney transplant surgery at Aurora Health Care is right for you.

How does a kidney transplant work?

Kidney transplant evaluation

A transplant coordinator at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center will reach out to explain the kidney transplant process and answer your questions.

We’ll run diagnostic tests to make sure your body is ready for kidney transplant surgery. You'll also meet with your transplant team to understand how a kidney transplant could impact your lifestyle, your routines and your long-term health.

If you're approved by our selection committee, you’ll be added to the national waiting list managed by the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Before your kidney transplant surgery

While waiting for your kidney transplant surgery, we’ll help you stay as healthy as possible. Your physician and transplant nurse coordinator will monitor you closely, and we’ll offer medical and emotional support to guide you through the waiting period, which can range from days to years.

What to expect during kidney transplant surgery

You’ll receive anesthesia and won’t feel anything during the procedure. Your surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen and connect the donor kidney to your existing blood vessels and bladder. In most cases, your original kidneys are left in place.

Recovery after surgery

You’ll recover in a specialized intensive care unit at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. Our transplant team will monitor you closely for any signs of infection or organ rejection.

You’ll return home once you’re well enough, but you can expect continued support from your care team. That includes:

• In-person and remote check-ins
• Regular lab work and imaging (If you live far away, you can have blood and lab work done through your primary care physician and sent to Aurora St. Luke’s.)
• Ongoing education and medication management

Your doctors will fine-tune your immunosuppressive medications, which help your body accept the new organ. You’ll take these medications for the rest of your life.

Within a few months, most people are ready to return to work and everyday activities – feeling stronger and more energetic.

Get a second opinion

Choosing a transplant center is a big decision. At Aurora, we’re here to help you explore your options with care and honesty. Request a second opinion.