UMC FACULTY PERFORMS RECORD NUMBER OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS

The University of Mississippi Medical Center reached a major milestone with the completion of the 50th kidney transplantation this year, five times the number of transplants performed in 2006.

Dr. Alan Hawxby, assistant professor of surgery, joined UMC in March and played a significant role in increasing the number of kidney transplants. Dr. Henry Barber, professor of surgery, performed 13 transplants this year, including the first one of year. 

Most of the kidneys transplanted went to patients in the Jackson area, but also included patients from the Delta and other locations around the state.

“Between the two of us, we have shattered the previous record for number of transplants in a year at UMC,” Hawxby said.

On June 26, the Medical Center accepted a kidney from a young mother in Wisconsin who suffered a non-recoverable brain injury. Her kidney was flown here and transplanted into Durant resident Sharrell Horton, the 50th kidney transplant recipient.

“UMC is committed to developing transplant services to serve the citizens of Mississippi.  This 50th kidney transplant is a physical sign of our commitment and the commitment of our physicians and staff to that goal,” said Dr. William Ferniany, associate vice chancellor for health systems and University Hospitals and Clinics CEO. 

Kidney failure is epidemic in Mississippi; the state ranks third in the number of patients suffering from kidney failure. Because of Mississippi’s high rates of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, these factors contribute to the prevalence of kidney disease.

For these patients, dialysis is a way of life, and ordinary activities, such as holding a regular job or going to school are made extremely difficult.

“Receiving a kidney transplant improves not only the quality of life, but actually improves a patient’s survival,” Hawxby said.

Currently, more than 2,000 Mississippians are on dialysis or waiting for a kidney transplant. Nationally, up to 13 dialysis patients die on the waiting list each year because of a lack of organ donation. That’s why Hawxby encourages more people to consider becoming an organ donor.

“If it helps, you can consider the simple act of deciding to donate to be an act of kindness, and please talk with your family about your decision to donate life,” he said.

Future plans for UMC’s transplant program include increasing the number of heart transplants, increasing transplant research and developing a vigorous living donor program for kidney transplantation.

—Patrice Sawyer Guilfoyle (7-9-07)

2007-07-06 00:00:00 17101