About Autotransplant | Program Highlights | Our Team | Location | Appointments
Patients with certain kidney diseases may benefit from an innovative surgical procedure called kidney autotransplantation.
The Kidney Autotransplant Program at Columbia brings together the expertise and skills of nationally-recognized kidney transplant surgeons, vascular surgeons, and urologists to offer patients this minimally invasive treatment option. Columbia is the only institution in the Northeast with a dedicated renal autotransplantation program.
To request an evaluation from our Kidney Autotransplant Program and see if this procedure is right for you, please call (212) 305-3539.
Stories & Perspectives
Robert’s Story
Doctors found a large aneurysm in the artery feeding Robert’s kidney. If left untreated, the aneurysm could rupture, but because of the location, the doctors knew fixing it would be very challenging.
What is Kidney Autotransplantation?
Kidney autotransplantation (also called renal autotransplantation) is a surgical procedure in which the kidney is removed from its normal location and moved into the pelvis. It’s almost like receiving a kidney transplant from oneself, which is where it gets its name (“auto” means “self”).
For some conditions, such as complex renal artery aneurysm, ureteral tumors, and ureteral injuries, the kidney is fully removed from the body and repaired before being re-transplanted.
For other conditions such as LPHS or nutcracker syndrome, the act of repositioning the kidney alone is beneficial without requiring repair of the kidney outside of the body.
Conditions that may benefit from autotransplantation
- Renal artery aneurysm (RAA)
- Reno-vascular disease
- Ureteral strictures
- Ureteral tumors
- Certain types of Kidney tumors
- Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS)
- Nutcracker Syndrome
Highlights of Our Program
Team-Based Care
Our multidisciplinary team of transplant surgeons, vascular surgeons and urologists collaborate with each patient on a rigorous evaluation process to determine the specific approach most appropriate for their individual case.
Minimally-Invasive Surgical Options
The removal aspect of the kidney is routinely performed through a technique called laparoscopic surgery. This approach to surgery minimizes incisions, reduces post-operative pain and improves recuperation.
New York’s #1 Hospital
Our hospital partners at NewYork-Presbyterian give us access to the latest technology, advanced diagnostic testing, and state-of-the-art operating rooms to make sure your treatment is fast, comfortable, and effective.
Our Team
Our kidney autotransplantation team includes nationally recognized kidney specialists, specialized nurses, dieticians, psychologists, and social workers. With their collective expertise, a comprehensive level of care is offered to every patient to achieve the best outcome.
Transplant Surgery
Lloyd E. Ratner, MD, MPH
Director, Renal and Pancreatic Transplantation
Vascular Surgery
Urology
Guarionex Joel DeCastro, MD, MPH
Our Location
We are located on the main campus of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the number one hospital in New York. Our team is also available for online virtual visits for your convenience.
622 W. 168th Street, 14th floor
New York, NY 10032
Make an Appointment
We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your plan when you call to make your appointment.
To make an appointment with our Kidney Autotransplant Program, please call (212) 305-3539. You can also have your doctor contact us for a referral and our team can help coordinate your care.