CHICAGO, IL – Kidney transplants are a common procedure in the United States, with the kidney being the most frequently transplanted organ. However, a recent case in Chicago has caught attention for its unique approach. John Nicholas, a 28-year-old man, underwent a kidney transplant at Northwestern Medicine Hospital while fully awake. The surgery, performed on May 24, utilized spinal anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, allowing Nicholas to be discharged the following day.
The innovative approach of an awake kidney transplant opens up new possibilities in the field of transplant medicine. Nicholas’s case marks the first at Northwestern Medicine where a patient was awake throughout the procedure and was able to go home the next day, essentially making it an outpatient procedure. Dr. Satish Nadig, a transplant surgeon and the director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center, emphasized the significance of this pioneering surgery.
The awake transplant procedure is seen as a way to reduce surgical risks and shorten the patient’s hospital stay. By utilizing spinal anesthesia, doctors aim to provide an alternative for high-risk patients or those with concerns about general anesthesia. Nicholas, who was considered an ideal candidate for the awake surgery, expressed his confidence in the process and was actively engaged in the surgical experience.
The success of Nicholas’s surgery highlights the potential for advancements in transplant medicine. Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine, shared his insights on the use of spinal anesthesia in such procedures. While acknowledging the benefits of awake surgery, Dr. Siegel emphasized the importance of general anesthesia for major surgeries to ensure control over airway and breathing.
The impact of Nicholas’s surgery goes beyond his individual case, as it has paved the way for the establishment of the AWAKE Program at Northwestern Medicine. This program aims to offer surgery without general anesthesia to patients who prefer or require such an approach. The hospital acknowledges Nicholas’s contribution to advancing the field of transplantation and recognizes the potential of awake surgery as another valuable tool in their medical arsenal.