DeBakey VA Medical Center to become kidney transplant center

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is establishing a kidney transplant center.

Currently, there are only four such centers within the VA system, none of which are in the state. To prepare for the expanded services, staff members are being hired and trained, and patients are being processed to determine transplant suitability. The first transplant is expected to occur in 12 to 18 months.

According to the press release, kidney disease is a common problem with veterans, and often are required to travel to other states to receive transplants. An estimated 8,000 veterans within 400 miles of Houston have kidney disease, and 75 are on waiting lists at community hospitals.

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center was chosen to become a kidney transplant center because of its high-quality surgery program and success with liver transplants, according to the release.

The center will be part of the VA National Transplant Program, which provides organ transplants to veterans. In addition to kidney and liver transplants, the program provides veterans with heart, bone marrow and lung transplants.

It is located at 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston.