Awake Kidney Transplant Procedure at Northwestern Medicine

SOURCE www.yahoo.com
A Chicago man underwent a kidney transplant procedure while wide awake, with surgeons opting for spinal anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. The surgery was successful, and the patient was discharged within 24 hours. The procedure marked the first case at Northwestern Medicine where a patient was awake throughout the transplant.

Key Points

  • Patient underwent kidney transplant surgery while wide awake
  • Surgeons used spinal anesthesia instead of general anesthesia
  • Procedure successful with patient discharged within 24 hours
  • First case at Northwestern Medicine where patient was awake throughout the transplant
  • Potential for new programs like the AWAKE Program

Pros

  • Decreased risks of general anesthesia
  • Shortened hospital stay for patients undergoing kidney transplants
  • Potential for establishing new programs like the AWAKE Program

Cons

  • May not be suitable for all patients depending on their medical condition