Kidney transplant
An unrivaled regional leader in kidney transplants
At Penn Medicine, our kidney transplant team facilitates the gift of healthy kidneys for more than 200 people in need every year. The Penn Transplant Institute performs almost twice as many kidney transplants as its closest regional competitor, and over three times as many living donor kidney transplants.
Since 1966, we’ve taken the transplant journey with thousands of patients and families, making us one of the top programs in the country and the top in the region, with results that consistently exceed national averages. With consistent performance and a commitment to high-volume care, patients trust Penn Medicine with their transplant journey.
Your kidney transplant journey starts here
Living with advanced kidney disease and frequent dialysis appointments takes a toll on your life and well-being. A kidney transplant is a lifesaving gift that gives you more freedom and healthy days.
Our expertise in complex organ transplantation procedures goes beyond what most transplant centers can offer. Our thriving living donor kidney transplant program shortens or eliminates waiting list time for many of our patients. We also have deep expertise in dual-organ transplants and kidney autotransplantation.
At the Penn Transplant Institute, we’re proud to call our patients family. We’re here for you whenever you need us, for the rest of your life.
Care and support through every stage of kidney transplantation
Our kidney transplant team is committed to compassionately guiding you and your family through every step of the transplant process. From your first visit with us to follow-up visits in the years to come, you can count on us for the very best medical care and support.
If your doctor thinks you might be ready for a kidney transplant, we welcome you for a comprehensive kidney transplant evaluation to ensure transplant is the safest and most appropriate treatment option. We schedule everything you need, including medical tests and consultations with our team of specialists. Providers and patients may submit their referral through our secure referral portal.
If you’re eligible for a transplant and want to go ahead, our team manages the details of placing you on the organ kidney transplant waiting list. We’ll be your partner in waiting and staying prepared for your transplant day. Providers and patients may submit their referral through our secure referral portal.
Candidates waiting for a kidney donation can share their story and increase exposure to potential donor matches by creating personal "microsites" dedicated to their transplant need. View our Living Donor Microsites YouTube playlist for inspirational and educational materials about this initiative.
We’re with you for every stage of recovery and life after your kidney transplant, with world-class medical care and support for your emotional well-being.
Revolutionizing kidney transplant medicine
At Penn Medicine, your well-being is always at the heart of our research efforts. Our kidney transplant doctors are also researchers, pioneering ways to make patients’ lives better and healthier by improving transplant outcomes and patient care.
Our clinical trials explore new treatments, medications, and techniques to enhance kidney transplant surgery success and make recovery easier. Through our clinical trials, you have the opportunity to access innovative therapies and contribute to advancements in kidney transplant medicine.
Penn has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model. Learn more about the model. Learn more about the IOTA model (PDF - 760KB).
Simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplantation at Penn Medicine
Our expertise in kidney-pancreas transplants changes the lives of people who have both diabetes and end-stage kidney failure. The waitlist time is shorter for dual organ transplant, and it has better survival outcomes than a kidney transplant alone.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.