Kidney Transplant

Last Updated: April 30, 2025

In this article:

• What is a Kidney Transplant?

• When is a Kidney Transplant Recommended?

• Eligibility for Kidney Transplant

• Types of Kidney Donors

• The Kidney Transplant Process

• Post-Transplant Care

• Lifestyle After Transplant

• Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Takeaway

A kidney transplant is often the best treatment option for people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Unlike dialysis, a transplant can restore normal kidney function, improve quality of life, and increase life expectancy.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly. The new kidney filters waste, balances fluids and produces important hormones to keep you healthy.

People with ESKD who receive a transplant may experience significant improvements in energy levels, fewer dietary restrictions, and the ability to return to a more normal lifestyle.

When is a Kidney Transplant Recommended?

A kidney transplant is recommended when:

• Your kidney function has declined to less than 10-15% of normal.

• You have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is progressing toward kidney failure.

• Dialysis is no longer a sustainable or preferred treatment option.

Your healthcare team will assess your overall health, medical history, and lifestyle to determine if you are a good candidate for a transplant.

Eligibility for Kidney Transplant

To be eligible for a kidney transplant, you need to meet certain criteria:

1. Good overall health: Conditions like cancer, severe heart disease, or infections may disqualify you from being a candidate until they are treated.

2. No active infections: Infections can pose a serious risk after surgery due to immunosuppressive medications.

3. Ability to manage post-transplant care: This includes taking medications as prescribed and attending regular follow-up appointments.

4. Psychological readiness: Undergoing a transplant is a significant life change, so emotional and mental health is important.

Your healthcare team will perform a series of tests, including:

• Blood tests: To check for infections, blood type, and tissue matching.

• Heart and lung evaluations: To ensure your body can handle the surgery.

• Cancer screenings: To rule out any undiagnosed malignancies.

Types of Kidney Donors

1. Living Donors

A living donor is someone who donates one of their kidneys. Because people can live a healthy life with just one kidney, a living donation is a viable and often preferred option.

• Who can be a living donor?

  • Family members (siblings, parents, children)

  • Close friends

  • Unrelated donors (altruistic donors)

• Benefits of living donation:

  • Shorter wait time.

  • Better long-term outcomes for the recipient.

  • The surgery can be planned in advance.

2. Deceased Donors

A deceased donor is someone who has died, typically due to an accident or illness, and has donated their organs.

• How does it work?

  • The kidney is harvested from the donor and matched to a recipient on the waiting list based on factors such as blood type, tissue compatibility, and wait time.

  • Depending on availability and compatibility, recipients may wait months or years for a deceased donor kidney.

The Kidney Transplant Process

1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation

Before being placed on the transplant list, you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Medical history review

• Blood and tissue typing

• Imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)

• Psychological assessment

2. Getting on the Transplant List

Once approved, you will be placed on a national transplant waiting list managed by organizations such as the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in the United States. Your position on the list is determined by:

• Blood type

• Tissue match

• Waiting time

• Overall health condition

3. Finding a Match

Matching involves ensuring compatibility between the donor and recipient. The main factors include:

• Blood type: The donor and recipient must have compatible blood types.

• HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) matching: Better matches reduce the risk of rejection.

• Crossmatch test: This checks for harmful antibodies in the recipient's blood that may attack the donor's kidney.

4. The Transplant Surgery

   The surgery typically takes 3-4 hours.

   The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen, and the blood vessels and ureter are connected.

   Your own kidneys are usually left in place unless they are causing complications (e.g., infection, high blood pressure).

Post-Transplant Care

Medications

After a transplant, you will need to take medications for the rest of your life to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney. These include:

1. Immunosuppressants: These drugs suppress your immune system, preventing it from attacking the new kidney.

2. Antibiotics and antifungals: To prevent infections.

3. Blood pressure medications: High blood pressure is common after a transplant.

It is crucial to take medications exactly as prescribed to avoid rejection and other complications.

Regular Follow-Up Appointments

Frequent follow-up visits are necessary to monitor your kidney function and overall health. These visits typically include:

• Blood tests to check creatinine levels, electrolyte balance, and signs of rejection.

• Urine tests to check for protein and other abnormalities.

• Imaging tests as needed.

Potential Complications

While kidney transplants are generally safe, complications can occur:

1. Rejection: Your immune system may attack the new kidney. Early signs include fever, reduced urine output, and swelling.

2. Infection: Immunosuppressive medications increase the risk of infections.

3. Blood clots: These can occur in the blood vessels connected to the new kidney.

4. Cancer: Long-term use of immunosuppressants slightly increases the risk of certain cancers.

Lifestyle After Transplant

Diet

Post-transplant, you may have fewer dietary restrictions than when on dialysis, but it's still important to:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

• Limit salt to help control blood pressure.

• Avoid foods that may interact with your medications (e.g., grapefruit).

Exercise

Staying active can help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications. Light to moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, is generally recommended.

Emotional Well-Being

Adjusting to life after a transplant can be emotionally challenging. Support groups, counseling, and talking to others who have undergone a transplant can help.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

1. Am I a good candidate for a kidney transplant?

2. What are the risks and benefits of a transplant compared to dialysis?

3. How long is the wait time for a donor's kidney?

4. Will my kidney disease recur in transplanted kidney?

5. What lifestyle changes will I need to make after the transplant?

6. How will I know if my body is rejecting the new kidney?

Takeaway

A kidney transplant can offer a new lease on life for people with end-stage kidney disease. While it involves a significant commitment to post-transplant care and lifestyle changes, many patients experience improved quality of life. If you are considering a kidney transplant, working closely with your healthcare team and staying informed can help you make the best decisions for your health.