Bloodless Kidney Transplant

What is bloodless kidney transplant surgery?

A bloodless kidney transplant does not use blood transfusions, which involve donated blood or blood components (such as plasma, platelets or red or white blood cells).

During a bloodless kidney transplant, our surgeons, anesthesiologists and hematologists use advanced techniques to minimize or avoid the need for a transfusion.

Most patients who choose to have a bloodless kidney transplant at the University of Chicago Medicine do not want to receive blood or blood products because of religious beliefs, including people who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Often, these individuals may not be considered for a kidney transplant at other hospitals.

If you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or have other reasons to avoid blood transfusions, we invite you to talk with our team about your options.

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Is bloodless kidney transplant safe?

Bloodless surgeries have been found to be safe and effective for more than two decades. Doctors at UChicago Medicine have refined their techniques over time to offer the best possible options for kidney transplant patients.

However, not everyone may be a candidate for a transfusion-free kidney transplant. That is why we encourage you to meet with our team — even if you have been turned down for surgery at other hospitals — so you can understand your options.

Kidney Transplants without Blood Transfusions at UChicago Medicine

At the University of Chicago Medicine’s Bloodless Kidney Transplant Program, we use innovative techniques to make life-saving surgery available to people who may not be considered for kidney transplants elsewhere.

By offering bloodless (transfusion-free) kidney transplants for people who prefer not to receive blood transfusions because of religious beliefs, we respect our patients’ choices while still delivering exceptional care.

When you come to UChicago Medicine, our team will perform a thorough evaluation to understand your risks and take time to answer any questions you may have. We work with you to develop a personalized care plan that respects your personal and religious beliefs.

What techniques do you use to avoid blood transfusions during kidney transplant?

At UChicago Medicine, we use safe and effective techniques to reduce or eliminate the need for blood transfusions during a kidney transplant. These include:

Pre-surgery medication to prevent anemia: Before a bloodless kidney transplant, the patient receives an injection of a medication called Epogen that stimulates the production of red blood cells. This reduces the risk for anemia (lack of red blood cells) during and after surgery.

Cell saver machine: This technology captures blood lost during surgery, “cleans” it and then recycles the red blood cells back into the patient’s body through an intravenous line.

Hemostatic agents and devices: During a kidney transplant, the surgical team uses special topical agents and instruments to minimize bleeding and reduce blood loss during surgery.

Hemodilution: Although not often used during kidney transplants, hemodilution may be an option for some people. Before surgery, doctors remove concentrated blood from the body and replace it with fluid so there is less actual blood loss during surgery. After the operation, the concentrated blood is infused back into the patient’s body.

Living Donors and Bloodless Donor Surgery

Through our robust living donor kidney transplant program, patients can often receive transplants sooner because they do not have to wait for a kidney from a deceased donor. Living relatives are often the best match for kidney failure patients. If a family shares religious beliefs, we can offer bloodless surgery for both kidney recipients and kidney donors.

Our surgeons use the least invasive techniques for kidney donation, which reduces or eliminates the need for transfusions for most living donors. This allows people who prefer not to receive transfusions to donate a kidney to someone in need of a life-saving transplant.