Erlanger's Kidney Transplant Center celebrated 20 years of providing
service to those suffering from kidney disease with a celebration
Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the Erlanger Medical Mall.
Chattanooga’s first kidney transplant was performed at Erlanger on
Sept. 26, 1989. Since then, Erlanger has performed over 500 kidney
transplant procedures while providing patients with a full continuum of
care, including dialysis, transplants, and post-operative care.
In 2005, Erlanger began performing hand assisted laparoscopic living
donor nephrectomies which allows for a quicker recovery time and less
post operative pain for kidney donors. Erlanger is also a statewide leader
in organ procurement, helping match patients with kidneys quickly and
efficiently.
University Surgical Associates' surgeon Dr. Daniel F. Fisher, surgical
director of the Kidney Transplant Center, has been affiliated with the
transplant center since it opened and has performed nearly 85 percent
of the kidney transplants.
"It's been and honor to be part of this incredible program and I'm
pleased with the fact that we've been able to help more people than
not. I'm grateful for that and for the many dedicated people who have
assisted with the center over the years."
Dr. Fisher maintains that more than 800 residents in and around Chattanooga are in need of a kidney transplant and must undergo regular dialysis treatments. With increases in obesity and diabetes, demand for kidney transplants and services have risen sharply over the years. Dr. Fisher urges patients who are facing potential kidney issues and wish to avoid dialysis to contact the Erlanger Regional Kidney Transplant Center at (423) 778-8067. Identification and initial patient workup to transplantation takes a minimum of six weeks. Early referral is key in successful outcomes.
