Chicago Man Undergoes Groundbreaking Awake Kidney Transplant

John Nicholas, 28, discharged just one day after innovative procedure at Northwestern Medicine.

John Nicholas remained conscious during his kidney transplant with spinal anesthesia.
The procedure was deemed a success, reducing typical hospital stay from 2-3 days to just one.
Doctors believe this method could benefit patients at high risk from general anesthesia.
Nicholas' childhood friend donated the kidney after his mother was unable to due to illness.
Northwestern Medicine plans to expand this approach through the new AWAKE Program.