Nephrology

LifeLink's kidney and pancreas disease programs are directed by a talented and credentialed group of nephrologists and surgeons, providing complete medical care as well as specialized consultation, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic kidney disease. Our nephrologists work together as a committed clinical practice group, providing round-the-clock care for patients with renal disease. We invite you to review our most recent Report to the Community.

Clinical services provided by LifeLink's nephrologists include:

• Evaluation and care of end-stage renal disease.
• Management of all phases of kidney and pancreas transplantation.
• Evaluation and management of hypertension.
• Evaluation and management of all forms of chronic renal insufficiency including:
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease
  • All categories of Glomerulonephritis
  • Renovascular Disease

Renal Disease Treatment

Nephrology patients at LifeLink HealthCare Institute receive specialized consultation, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic renal disease by board certified physicians. Our nephrologists work together as a committed clinical practice group, providing around-the-clock care in all aspects of general nephrology, primary and secondary hypertension, and transplantation. Our physicians collaborate with area nephrologists to provide a continuum of care to ensure a better quality of life for patients.

Kidney Transplant Program

LifeLink's Medicare-approved kidney transplant program is the most successful at getting patients transplanted in Florida, and one of the top ten performers in the nation. Our current one-year patient survival rate is 99%, and our current graft survival rate is 97%. National patient and graft survival rates average 95% and 91% respectively.

More than 3,000 transplants have been performed at Tampa General Hospital and All Children's Hospital by our surgeons over the past 25 years.

LifeLink HealthCare Institute also offers renal patients the option of living kidney donation. Our unique, donor-focused advocacy program has helped make this process successful and as stress-free as possible for both donors and recipients.

LifeLink's kidney transplant program team members include:

• Transplant Surgeons

• Nephrologists

• Immunologists

• Referring Physicians

• Transplant Coordinators

• Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners

• Social Workers

• Dietitians

• Transplant Psychologists

• Pharmacists

• Financial Counselors

Pancreas Transplant Program

In 2001, LifeLink began performing pancreas transplants to help patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, whose only other option was intensive insulin therapy. Pancreas transplantation offers an advantage in achieving glycemic control and enhances patients quality of life by preventing hypoglycemia. Patients also gain freedom from dietary restrictions, glucose monitoring and insulin injections.

Our Pancreas transplant program team members include:

• Transplant Surgeons

• Nephrologists

• Referring Physicians

• Transplant Coordinators

• Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners

• Transplant Psychologists

• Pharmacists

• Financial Counselors

• Social Workers

Non-Transplant Clinical Research

2006 saw the continuation of more than 10 drug studies for nephrology patients within the LifeLink HealthCare Institute, and eight additional studies were opened. Dr. John Leone, transplant surgeon, serves as Principal Investigator for the majority of the trials.

While the studies typically focus on improved immunosuppressive protocols, the department also participated in an anti-viral drug trial. Both pre- and post-transplant patients have the opportunity to volunteer for research studies, and patient monitoring is performed by three full-time clinical coordinators. Together, they shared the management of approximately 50 kidney patients who took part in drug trials this past year.

Click here for more information about drug studies.

For Patients