Treatment Options

Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant is a surgery to place a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine just below the rib cage. When they stop working, a person goes into kidney failure. Kidney failure can be a serious health condition, and finding the right treatment—whether through dialysis or transplant—is crucial for managing it.

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Treatment Options

Kidney Transplant

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Why Transplant?

How it works

List of Questions

Kidney Transplant

The purpose of a kidney transplant is to replace a patient’s failing kidneys and restore their ability to filter waste products from the blood. This can improve the patient’s quality of life and extend their lifespan.

A preemptive transplant, done before dialysis is needed, can provide a person with better long-term health outcomes. It makes sense because avoiding the need for dialysis can help preserve overall health and maintain a better quality of life.

If someone is facing a later stage of kidney disease, such as Stage 3B, Stage 4, or Stage 5, it can be essential to discuss transplant options with a healthcare provider to explore what might be best for their situation.

Types of Donors:

Living donor: A healthy person, usually a family member or friend, donates one of their kidneys.
Deceased donor: A kidney from a person who has recently died.

Procedure:
The surgery typically takes 3-4 hours. The donor kidney is placed in the lower abdomen, near the patient’s existing kidneys. The donor’s blood vessels and ureter are connected to the patient’s blood vessels and bladder.

Recovery:
Recovery from a kidney transplant can take several weeks to months. Patients will need to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent their body from rejecting the new kidney. They will also need to follow a strict diet and attend regular follow-up appointments.

Success Rates:
The success rates of kidney transplants vary depending on the type of donor and the patient’s overall health. On average, about 95% of living donor kidneys and 85% of deceased donor kidneys will function for at least 5 years.

Benefits:
Improved quality of life, Increased lifespan, No longer needing dialysis, and Ability to return to work and other activities.

Risks:

Infection
Rejection of the new kidney
Long-term complications, such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease

Eligibility:
Patients who may be eligible for a kidney transplant include those with:

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is not responding to other treatments
Good overall health

Questions for our team:

Is my kidney disease getting worse? Can you explain my labs?
When will we talk about my treatment choices, including kidney transplant?
Do you think kidney transplant could be a good option for me? What about living donation?
Can you tell me more about life on dialysis vs. life with a transplant, based on my health?
Can you please refer me for a kidney transplant evaluation?
Share what a good or “normal” life looks like to you – what do you care about? What is most important to you? This can help you make shared decisions with your doctor about your treatment.