Hospital San Pedro: A Pioneer in Kidney Transplants in Southern Colombia

Hospital San Pedro, located in San Juan de Pasto, has established itself as the only institution in southern Colombia, near the Ecuadorian border, that performs kidney transplants. This distinction is due to its state-of-the-art infrastructure, highly trained personnel, and cutting-edge technology, enabling it to offer high-complexity medical procedures in the region.

Inauguration of the Transplant Unit

In March 2023, the hospital’s CEO, Dr. Oscar Mosquera Daza, inaugurated the Organ Transplant Unit, the first of its kind in the department of Nariño. This unit is dedicated to treating patients with chronic diseases requiring organ or tissue transplants, benefiting the southwestern Colombian population.

On June 8, 2023, the Transplant Unit successfully performed the first live-donor kidney transplant in southern Colombia. Al Día Wellness spoke with Dr. Romel Gómez, Transplant Coordinator at Hospital San Pedro, about the advances and impact of these procedures.

Experience in Kidney Transplants

AL DÍA NEWS: Doctor, how many transplants have been performed so far?

DR. ROMEL GÓMEZ: So far, we have successfully performed two live-donor kidney transplants. Both patients have fully recovered and regained their quality of life. Our first patient, Álvaro, underwent a kidney transplant at 22 years old, after years of dialysis. Before the transplant, he was unable to study or work. Now, two years later, he has enrolled in medical school, inspired by his experience.

A Kidney Transplant Success Story

Our second patient is a preschool teacher who lives in a rural area, two and a half hours from the city. Dialysis had made her consider quitting her job, but after her kidney transplant, she recovered quickly and is now teaching her students again.

In general, dialysis patients need treatments one to three times a week, while transplant recipients require only quarterly check-ups.

Key Factors for Transplant Success

AL DÍA NEWS: Doctor, what is the key to success in these transplants, considering the challenges of organ adaptation?

DR. ROMEL GÓMEZ: Success comes from commitment and excellence. As a team, we have established a rigorous protocol that ensures each transplant is performed safely and effectively. Every procedure is meticulously planned, and we prioritize patient care before, during, and after surgery.

"Additionally, we focus on humanized patient care because their well-being is our top priority."

Requirements to Qualify for a Kidney Transplant

AL DÍA NEWS: Doctor, what are the requirements to be eligible for a kidney transplant?

DR. ROMEL GÓMEZ: To qualify for a kidney transplant, the patient must meet certain criteria, including:

• ✔ Having advanced-stage chronic kidney disease or being on dialysis.
  ✔ Being evaluated by a nephrologist and transplant team to confirm that a transplant is the best option.
  ✔ Being in good overall health to undergo major surgery.
  ✔ Not having active infections, recent cancer, or serious conditions that could compromise transplant success.
  ✔ Undergoing compatibility testing (HLA typing, blood group matching).
  ✔ Passing cardiac and pulmonary evaluations, imaging studies, and infection screenings.
  ✔ Not having contraindications, such as active cancer, uncontrolled infections, severe cardiovascular disease, untreated psychiatric disorders, or severe substance abuse.
  ✔ Being committed to lifelong immunosuppressive treatment.
  ✔ Having a compatible donor, either a living donor (family or unrelated) or a deceased donor on a waitlist.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure at Hospital San Pedro

AL DÍA NEWS: Doctor, tell us about the hospital’s capacity to treat patients.

DR. ROMEL GÓMEZ: Hospital San Pedro’s ability to perform these procedures is backed by its top-tier infrastructure and advanced technology. The institution features:

🔹 Operating rooms equipped with cutting-edge technology.
🔹 Specialized intensive care units.
🔹 High-complexity clinical laboratories.
🔹 Advanced diagnostic imaging services.
🔹 An in-house blood bank, crucial for ensuring successful transplants.

Hospital San Pedro not only serves patients from the region but also from other parts of Colombia and internationally, solidifying its position as a leading kidney transplant center in southern Colombia.