Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by performing a kidney transplant on an awake patient, marking a first for the Chicago-based healthcare system. This innovative procedure was carried out on 28-year-old John Nicholas from Chicago, who experienced no pain during the transplant performed on May 24.
A Revolutionary Approach to Surgery
Unlike traditional kidney transplants that require general anesthesia, Nicholas’s procedure utilized a single-spinal anesthesia shot, similar to what is used during cesarean sections. This method allowed Nicholas to remain conscious and aware of the surgery’s progress. “It was a pretty cool experience to know what was happening in real-time and be aware of the magnitude of what they were doing,” Nicholas said. He added that he felt “no sensation whatsoever” due to the sedation provided for his comfort.
Dr. Satish Nadig, a transplant surgeon and director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center, highlighted the significance of this advancement. “The patient was able to be discharged home in less than 24 hours, basically making this an outpatient procedure,” Nadig said. This approach could significantly reduce the risks associated with general anesthesia and shorten hospital stays, making kidney transplants more accessible to patients at higher risk of anesthesia complications.
Patient Experience and Benefits
Nicholas’s experience was unique and powerful. During the surgery, Dr. Nadig showed him the transplanted kidney, a first for the surgeon and a memorable moment for Nicholas. “It was extremely powerful,” Nicholas remarked. This direct interaction during the procedure underscores the transformative potential of awake transplantation.
Nicholas’s journey to this innovative surgery began years earlier. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 16, he managed his condition with medication until early 2022, when his kidney function declined, necessitating a transplant. When his mother could not donate due to a breast cancer diagnosis, his childhood best friend, Pat Wise, stepped in and was declared a match. Wise’s selfless act exemplified their “ride or die” friendship, significantly impacting Nicholas’s life.
The benefits of the awake procedure extend beyond the medical. Nicholas, now looking forward to more energetic activities like bicycle rides and enjoying pizza, a food he previously had to limit due to salt intake restrictions, celebrated his newfound health with a surprise pizza delivery from Wise during a news conference.
Future of Awake Kidney Transplantation
The success of this procedure has prompted Northwestern Medicine to establish the AWAKE Program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation). This initiative aims to offer similar operations to other patients, broadening the accessibility and benefits of kidney transplantation. “It opens up a whole new door and is another tool in our toolbelt for the field of transplantation,” Nadig said.
The pioneering awake kidney transplant at Northwestern Medicine is a testament to the potential of medical innovation to improve patient outcomes and experiences. By reducing reliance on general anesthesia and minimizing hospital stays, this approach could revolutionize kidney transplantation and other surgical procedures. Nicholas’s successful surgery not only advances the field but also underscores the importance of organ donation and the profound impact it can have on patients’ lives.