Kidney transplant: who qualifies and how it works
Dr. Joan J. Morales Lappot, MD3 min read · Leer en español
In briefFor many people with kidney failure, a transplant offers the longest life and the most freedom. It is also something you can start preparing for well before dialysis.
How it works
A healthy kidney from a donor is placed in the lower abdomen and connected to your blood vessels and bladder. Your own kidneys usually stay where they are. Many transplanted kidneys start working within days.
Living or deceased donor
A kidney can come from a living donor, often a family member or friend, or from a deceased donor through the national waiting list. Living-donor kidneys tend to last longer and can be scheduled, which avoids years of waiting. People can donate even when they are not a perfect match, through paired exchange programs.
Who can be considered
Many adults with advanced kidney disease can be evaluated, including older adults. The transplant team checks your heart, overall health, cancer screening and support at home. In the United States, you can be referred and start earning waiting time once your eGFR is 20 or lower, even before dialysis.
Life after transplant
Anti-rejection medicines are taken every day for as long as the kidney works, and regular blood tests watch for rejection, infection and side effects. Most people return to work, travel and family life with more energy than on dialysis.