A kidney transplant is a procedure where a new donor kidney is placed in your body. This is typically done because of kidney failure. Once attached, your new kidney will start to do the job of the failing organ. Nephrologist Richard Fatica, MD, explains the kidney transplant procedure and process.
What are the kidney transplant requirements?
Each hospital has its own criteria for accepting people as kidney transplant recipients. But in general, candidates should have:
End-stage renal failure and be on dialysis.
Late-stage chronic kidney disease, approaching the need for dialysis.
A life expectancy of at least five years.
A full understanding of postoperative instructions and care.
What happens after a kidney transplant?
Most people spend about three days in the hospital after a kidney transplant. This way, your medical team can keep a close eye on you and make sure you’re recovering well.
Your new transplanted kidney may start working immediately. Or, you may need dialysis temporarily until it starts working. This might take several days or weeks.
You’ll also need to start taking medications to keep your immune system from rejecting your new transplanted kidney.
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