Kidney Transplant: A Second Chance at Life

Understanding the Journey, Benefits, and What to Expect

For people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or chronic kidney failure, a kidney transplant can be life-changing — and life-saving. Instead of relying on dialysis machines several times a week, a successful kidney transplant can restore independence, improve quality of life, and offer a longer, healthier future.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into someone whose kidneys have failed. Unlike some other organs, humans can live with just one healthy kidney, which is why living donation is possible.

There are two main types of donors:

  • Living Donor: A healthy individual (often a relative or friend) donates one of their kidneys.

  • Deceased Donor: The kidney is donated by someone who has recently passed away and whose family consented to organ donation.

    Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?

    People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or stage 5 chronic kidney disease, where kidney function drops below 10–15%, are considered for transplantation. Common causes of kidney failure include:

  • Diabetes (diabetic nephropathy)
  • High blood pressure (hypertensive nephrosclerosis)
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Recurrent urinary infections or obstructions

The Transplant Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s what happens:

Evaluation and Testing
01

Evaluation and Testing

Before being placed on a transplant list, patients undergo detailed testing: Blood tests (including tissue typing) Imaging (CT scan, ultrasound) Heart and lung evaluation Psychological assessment
Finding a Donor
02

Finding a Donor

Living donor: Family/friends can get tested for compatibility. Deceased donor: Wait for a matching kidney (priority based on blood type, antibodies, wait time
he Transplant Surgery
03

he Transplant Surgery

The procedure typically lasts 3–4 hours. The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen, and usually the failed kidneys are left in place unless they're causing complications.

Frequently asked questions

  • The Positives:

    • Improved energy and physical activity

    • More freedom with diet and travel

    • No need for dialysis

    • Improved life expectancy

    Lifestyle Adjustments:

    • Immunosuppressants for life to prevent rejection

    • Regular follow-up visits

    • Preventive care to reduce risk of infection

    • A heart-healthy diet and regular exercise

As with any major surgery, kidney transplantation carries risks:

  • Rejection of the new kidney

  • Infections due to suppressed immune system

  • Side effects from medications (weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure)

  • Surgical complications (bleeding, blood clots, delayed kidney function)

However, with proper care and close monitoring, most complications are manageable.

Thanks to medical advances, kidney transplant outcomes have improved significantly:

  • 1-year survival rate: Over 95% for both patient and kidney

  • 5-year graft survival: Around 85% for living donor kidneys, 75% for deceased donor kidneys

Living donor transplants generally last longer and work faster after surgery.

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