Kidney Transplant

Ashley Suah, kidney transplant surgeon chicago

Supporting You Through Kidney Transplant Surgery

The University of Chicago Medicine's kidney transplant program is recognized as a Center of Excellence by Optum's transplant network. Our experienced team offers comprehensive care — from your first evaluation through long-term recovery — and works with you to find the best path forward for your health.

If you have end-stage renal disease (also called kidney failure or ESRD), a transplant can free you from dialysis and help restore your quality of life. We perform both living donor and deceased donor kidney transplants, as well as kidney-pancreas transplants for patients who have type 1 diabetes and significant kidney disease.

Request an appointment online or call us at 1-888-824-0200.

Kidney Transplant Services

Whether you need an initial evaluation, a second opinion or support along the way, we're here to help.

A Personalized Approach to Your Kidney Transplant

We understand that every patient's needs are unique. Our surgeons, physicians and transplant coordinators work together to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific health needs. We are leaders in performing both living donor and deceased donor kidney transplants. Our commitment to research gives you access to the newest therapies and treatments available.

Kidney Transplant Surgery at UChicago Medicine

Our team performs both living and deceased donor kidney transplants, as well as kidney-pancreas transplants for patients who have type 1 diabetes and significant kidney disease. Through our research, we give patients access to the newest therapies and treatments.

A Team of Specialists

Before and after your transplant, you have access to a team of knowledgeable experts. Our kidney transplant surgeons work side-by-side with leading kidney disease and diabetes specialists on our endocrinology team. UChicago Medicine is also home to top experts in other kidney conditions, including lupus and primary glomerular diseases. Your team also includes a transplant pharmacist, dietitian, social worker and financial counselor — all focused exclusively on kidney transplant patients.

Complex Kidney Transplant Cases

We regularly take on patients who may be considered too high-risk for transplant at other centers — helping more people get the care they need each year.

Around-the-Clock Access to Your Care Team

All patients visit our post-transplant clinic regularly for checkups. Between visits, you can always reach one of our post-transplant nurses by phone — any time, day or night.

Kidney Transplant Research

Our researchers are developing new methods to keep transplant patients healthier, giving you access to leading-edge treatments that may not be available elsewhere.

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

You can also make an appointment with our providers by:

Requesting an online second opinion from our specialists 

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy at UChicago Medicine

Dr. Rolf Barth explains a minimally invasive kidney donor transplant surgery that leaves a small scar in the belly button.

What Leads to a Kidney Transplant?

End-stage chronic kidney disease (also known as ESRD or kidney failure) leads to the loss of kidney function and is the main reason for needing a kidney transplant. For people with kidney failure, a kidney transplant typically eliminates the need for dialysis. Patients with chronic kidney disease can be evaluated for kidney transplant at one of our transplant evaluation clinics. Certain medical conditions can contribute to kidney failure, including:

Kidney Transplant Care Locations