Surgery
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant places a healthy donor kidney into a person with kidney failure, often freeing them from dialysis.
Quick answer
Kidney Transplant: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A kidney transplant is an operation to give someone with failing kidneys a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. The new kidney takes over the work of filtering the blood.
- Why it is done: It is used for advanced or end-stage kidney failure, offering better quality of life and survival than long-term dialysis for suitable people, and reducing or removing the need for dialysis.
- What happens: Under general anaesthetic, the donor kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and connected to blood vessels and the bladder.
What it is
A kidney transplant is an operation to give someone with failing kidneys a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. The new kidney takes over the work of filtering the blood.
Why it is done
It is used for advanced or end-stage kidney failure, offering better quality of life and survival than long-term dialysis for suitable people, and reducing or removing the need for dialysis.
What happens
Under general anaesthetic, the donor kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and connected to blood vessels and the bladder. The person’s own kidneys are usually left in place. The operation takes a few hours.
Recovery
A hospital stay of about a week is usual, with the new kidney often working quickly. Lifelong medicines to prevent rejection are needed, along with regular monitoring for infection and kidney function.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include rejection, infection (partly from anti-rejection medicines), bleeding and blood vessel problems. A transplant does not last forever, and some people need dialysis or another transplant later.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Kidney Transplant: frequently asked questions
Will I still need dialysis after a transplant?
Usually not, if the kidney works well, which is one of the main benefits. Occasionally a new kidney is slow to start and temporary dialysis is needed until it recovers.
Why do I need medicines for life after a transplant?
Anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medicines stop your immune system attacking the new kidney. They must be taken for as long as the transplant works, with regular monitoring for side effects.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Association of Urological Surgeons / relevant professional body
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