Pediatric Kidney Transplant

What to expect during your first visit 

The initial evaluation usually takes two-to-three days. During your visit, you’ll have a full schedule of labs, diagnostic testing and consultations.  

After your child’s initial evaluation, our team will meet and discuss your child’s case. If your child is ready, we’ll place them on a transplant waiting list. In Nebraska, we have shorter wait times in general than many other states.  

Why you should choose Nebraska Medicine 

Established in 1970, our kidney transplant program is one of the longest running and most experienced programs in the U.S. We performed the first kidney transplant in the state of Nebraska and have since become widely recognized as one of the most active and innovative kidney transplant centers in the world.  

We have a well-established multidisciplinary team. Many members of the team have decades of experience in assisting families through the transplant process.  

Your team usually consists of:  

• Transplant surgeon 
• Transplant nephrologist 
• Transplant nurse coordinators 
• Anesthesiologist 
• Psychiatrist  
• Infectious diseases specialist 
• Dentist 
• Pharmacist 
• Child life specialist 
• Dietician 
• Social worker 
• Financial counselor 

We offer 24/7 phone support. If there’s ever something going on with your child, you don’t have to wait to call. And we have an adolescent-to-adult transition program, so you won’t have to get to know a new team as your child ages. 

If you’ve been told your child needs a kidney transplant, our team is here to help.  

The first step in the process is a referral to our transplant program. We accept referrals from patients, primary care physicians or kidney specialists.  

Refer a patient

After the referral process is complete, we’ll begin getting to know your child through the pre-transplant information packet. Once we receive this information, we’ll schedule your child for their initial transplant evaluation.  

Before your visit, at least one parent must attend our transplant education sessions. Each class lasts approximately one hour. Both classes take place on the same day.  

Our goal is to create a strong long-term relationship with your family and your local health care team.