A groundbreaking medical procedure took place at Northwestern Medicine as a young Chicago man became the first patient to receive an awake kidney transplant. John Nicholas, 28, had been battling kidney issues for over a decade, stemming from his diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. Despite managing his condition with medication, Nicholas's kidney function continued to decline, leading him to search for a kidney donor.

Initially, Nicholas's mother had planned to donate her kidney but was unable to do so due to her breast cancer diagnosis. In a stroke of serendipity, Nicholas's childhood friend, Pat Wise, stepped forward to offer his kidney. Wise, moved by his friend's plight, filled out the donor form without hesitation. Astonishingly, he turned out to be a match, making the kidney transplant a possibility.

The historic procedure took place on May 24th at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The surgical team, which included Dr. Satish Nadig, a transplant surgeon, Dr. Vinayak Rohan, also a transplant surgeon, and Dr. Vicente Garcia Tomas, an anesthesiologist, completed the surgery in under two hours. Nicholas, who was a suitable candidate for the awake transplant due to his age and limited risk factors, received spinal anesthesia along with a mild sedative to ensure his comfort throughout the procedure.

Nicholas expressed his awe at being awake during the surgery, being fully aware of the milestones achieved by his medical team. He described the experience as "powerful" and "truly life-changing." The remarkable aspect of the awake kidney transplant was that Nicholas experienced no pain or discomfort despite being conscious. The procedure was successful, and Nicholas was discharged from the hospital the following day.

This groundbreaking transplant has prompted Northwestern Medicine to establish the AWAKE program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation). The program aims to cater to patients who prefer the awake procedure, are unable to undergo general anesthesia due to high risks or personal reasons, or could benefit from the shorter hospital stay associated with the awake transplant.

Dr. Nadig, one of the transplant surgeons involved, emphasized the significance of the awake kidney transplant, noting that it revolutionizes the field of transplantation. With this procedure, organs can be transplanted, allowing recipients to lead healthier lives, with shortened hospital stays and reduced risks associated with invasive procedures.

For John Nicholas, this historic transplant not only saved his life but also exemplified the true meaning of friendship. He expressed his gratitude to Pat Wise, his "ride-or-die" friend, who selflessly donated his kidney. Nicholas credits their bond for providing unwavering support throughout their lives.

Northwestern Medicine's kidney transplant program continues to push boundaries and explore innovative methods to improve patient outcomes. To learn more about the program and their pioneering achievements, interested individuals can visit their website at www.nm.org.

In a world where medical advancements continue to bring hope and healing, the awake kidney transplant at Northwestern Medicine stands as a testament to the progress made in transplantation surgery, giving patients like John Nicholas a chance at a better quality of life.