Kidney Transplant

Kidney transplant offers patients with kidney failure a path back to a fuller, more independent life than dialysis alone typically provides, replacing the filtering function of failed kidneys with a single healthy donor kidney. For eligible patients, it's generally considered the treatment of choice over long-term dialysis.

Why transplant is often preferred over long-term dialysis

A successful kidney transplant typically restores more normal kidney function than dialysis can replicate, removes the multi-hour weekly time commitment of dialysis sessions, and is generally associated with better long-term survival and quality of life for eligible patients. That said, not everyone is a suitable candidate, and the decision depends on overall health, age, and other medical factors your nephrologist will assess.

Two sources of donor kidneys

Living donor transplant

A kidney from a living donor — often a family member or compatible match — is generally associated with better long-term outcomes and significantly shorter wait times than a deceased donor kidney. The human body functions well with a single healthy kidney, which is why living donation is possible without significant long-term risk to a carefully screened donor.

Deceased donor transplant

Kidneys from deceased donors are matched to recipients on a waiting list based on blood type, tissue compatibility, and medical urgency. Wait times vary considerably depending on region and blood type, and can range from under a year to several years.

The evaluation process

Before being listed or scheduled for transplant, candidates undergo thorough evaluation, including:

1. Blood and tissue typing to assess compatibility with potential donors
2. Cardiac and overall health assessment to confirm the body can safely handle surgery
3. Infection screening and cancer screening appropriate to age and risk factors
4. Psychosocial evaluation to assess readiness for the demands of lifelong post-transplant care

Surgery and immediate recovery

The transplant surgery itself typically takes two to four hours. Unlike some transplants, the failed kidneys are usually left in place, with the new kidney placed in the lower abdomen and connected to nearby blood vessels and the bladder. Most patients stay in the hospital for about a week following surgery, with the new kidney often beginning to function within days.

Life after transplant

Transplant recipients take immunosuppressive medication for life to prevent organ rejection, along with regular blood tests and follow-up visits — more frequent in the first months, tapering to periodic check-ins over time. Most patients experience a substantial improvement in energy, diet flexibility, and overall quality of life compared to dialysis, though the medication regimen and ongoing monitoring remain a lifelong commitment.

Starting the process

Whether you're beginning to explore transplant as an option or already navigating the evaluation process, our nephrology and transplant specialists can help you understand where you stand and what steps come next — including guidance on living donor options if that's relevant to your situation.