INDIANAPOLIS —
Indiana University Health surgeons not only saved a life today but also opened the doors to the world during the state’s first successful “live-tweeted” surgery on Twitter.
Kidney donor Colin Newton, 33, and recipient Caleb Johnson, 31, are both doing well following a kidney transplant procedure. The two friends and former co-workers, who live about 30 miles south of Terre Haute, are expected to leave IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis over the next few days. Johnson, a 2000 graduate of Sullivan High School, suffers from Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS, a condition where the kidney no longer filters blood correctly. Prolonged issues can lead to kidney failure. Newton is a 1997 graduate of Terre Haute South Vigo High School.
During their surgery, IU Health staff provided “play-by-play” commentary from the surgical team and family members, as well as photos from throughout the procedure.
“We hope the public not only learned something about kidney transplantation but also now appreciate the courage shown by living kidney donors. These two gentlemen have allowed us to show the miracle of organ transplantation,” said Dr. Tim Taber, medical director of the kidney transplant program for IU Health. “Live-tweeting the surgery was a great way to share with the public what goes on in the operating room and we were excited to see so many new followers on Twitter.”
The “tweet team” sent out dozens of tweets over the course of the day with the hashtag #calebskidney. Those who followed the surgery can see additional updates on Newton and Johnson over the next several months on Twitter (@IU_Health) and online at iuhealth.org/kidneydonation. Followers can also visit that website to send Newton and Johnson a “Get Well” e-postcard.
The kidney is, by far, the most demanded organ needed for transplant. More than 90 percent of the more than 100,000 Americans waiting on the national transplant list for a lifesaving solid organ transplant are in need of a new kidney and 20 Americans die every day while waiting on an organ. While waiting for a kidney, many patients, including Johnson, have to go on dialysis. Unfortunately, due to the time and energy commitment of dialysis, Johnson had to leave his job shortly after being promoted to a managerial position.
IU Health, one of the largest transplant centers in the country, performs close to 500 lifesaving transplants each year. Of that number, nearly half are kidney transplants – many of which are made possible thanks to living kidney donors. To learn more about how to become a living kidney donor visit iuhealth.org/kidneydonation.
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Good news: Dr. Goggins talks to Caleb Johnson’s family after Caleb’s kidney transplant June 13, 2012, at Indiana University Health Hospital in Indianapolis. Johnson is a 2000 graduate of Sullivan High School. (Photo from IU Health live TwitterCast)
Discussion
IU Health successfully performs state’s first Twitter surgery
Patients with Wabash Valley ties doing well after kidney transplant
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