At the initial consultation, you will meet with a transplant surgeon, transplant coordinator/nurse practitioner, and social worker to review your medical and social history. After the initial consultation, the evaluation period begins with a full workup.
Since type one diabetics are subject to numerous side effects of their diabetes, we attempt to diagnose and correct problems prior to the transplant. Our standard workup consists of the following:
Step One
You will meet with the transplant team and have your initial consultation.
Step Two
A series of laboratory tests and blood work will be completed.
Step Three
A chest X-ray will be taken to determine if your lungs and lower respiratory tract are healthy.
Step Four
An ultrasound of your abdomen and kidneys will help us to assess the native kidneys and to determine the presence or absence of gallstones.
Step Five
If you are not on dialysis, we will perform a Creatinine Clearance test to determine how much residual kidney function you have. This requires a blood sample and a 24-hour urine collection.
Step Six
Since coronary artery disease is very common in type I diabetics, it is necessary to evaluate your cardiac function. This will involve and EKG, an echocardiogram and a stress test. Some patients may also require a cardiac catheterization, an invasive test done to assess the coronary arteries.
Step Seven
Many diabetic patients, especially those who have neuropathy, have bladder problems. To assess your bladder capacity and function we will perform a Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG).
Step Eight
Pulse Volume Recordings (PVRs), which involves placing blood pressure cuffs on your legs at various locations, will be used to help us assess the state of the blood vessels in your legs.
Step Nine
A thorough eye exam, with emphasis on the retina, is important prior to transplantation. This baseline study will be used to compare postoperative evaluations.
Step Ten
If you are over 50 years of age a barium enema or colonoscopy is required.
Step Eleven
All patients are required to meet with our social worker prior to transplantation.
