Kidney Transplantation

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgery where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys no longer work properly. This new kidney takes over the job of filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood ¹

Kidney transplants can come from:

• Living donors (family members, friends, or altruistic donors).
• Deceased donors (from organ donation after death).

Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?

A transplant may be needed if you have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), meaning your kidneys work at less than 15% of normal function. Common causes include ²

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Genetic conditions (like polycystic kidney disease)

The Transplant Process

1. Evaluation for Transplant

Before being listed for a transplant, you will undergo tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. This includes ³

• Blood tests (for compatibility with donors).
• Heart and lung tests.
• Cancer screenings (if needed).

2. Waiting for a Kidney

• If you don’t have a living donor, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. (for compatibility with donors).
• Wait times vary (months to years) depending on blood type and organ availability ⁴

3. The Transplant Surgery

• The surgery takes about 3–4 hours.
• The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and connected to blood vessels and the bladder.
• Your own kidneys are usually left in place unless they cause problems ⁵

4. Recovery After Surgery

• Hospital stay: 3–7 days.
• You’ll take immunosuppressant (anti-rejection) medicines for life to prevent your body from attacking the new kidney ⁶
• Regular check-ups are needed to monitor kidney function.

Life After a Kidney Transplant

• Most people feel much better and have more energy.
• You can usually return to normal activities within 6–8 weeks.
• A successful transplant can last 15–20 years or more with proper care ⁷

Risks and Complications

• Rejection (body attacks the new kidney).
• Infections (due to immunosuppressants).
• Side effects of medications (weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes).

Regular follow-ups with your transplant team help manage these risks ⁸

How to Improve Transplant Success

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Follow a healthy diet (low salt, balanced protein).
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion

A kidney transplant can greatly improve quality of life for people with kidney failure. If you or a loved one is considering a transplant, talk to a nephrologist or transplant specialist to learn more.

References

1. 1. National Kidney Foundation. Kidney transplant. 2023
2. 2. Webster AC, Nagler EV, Morton RL, et al. Chronic kidney disease. Lancet. 2017;389(10075):1238-52.
3. 3. Hart A, Smith JM, Skeans MA, et al. OPTN/SRTR annual data report: Kidney transplantation. Am J Transplant. 2021;21(S2):21-137.
4. 4. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Kidney allocation system. 2023
5. 5. Humar A, Matas AJ. Surgical complications after kidney transplantation. Semin Dial. 2005;18(6):505-10.
6. 6. Halloran PF. Immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplantation. N Engl J Med. 2004;351(26):2715-29.
7. 7. Lamb KE, Lodhi S, Meier-Kriesche HU. Long-term renal allograft survival in the United States: A critical reappraisal. Am J Transplant. 2011;11(3):450-62.
8. 8. Fishman JA. Infection in solid-organ transplant recipients. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(25):2601-14.