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Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure 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. Each is about the size of a fist. Their main function is to filter and remove waste, minerals, and fluid from the blood by producing urine.
When Is a Kidney Transplant Needed?
Your doctor might recommend a kidney transplant if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the last stage of chronic kidney disease when your kidneys can no longer support your body's needs. Common causes of ESRD include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Chronic glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Severe, recurrent kidney infections
Types of Kidney Donors
There are two types of kidney donors:
Living Donors
A living donor can be a family member, friend, coworker, or even a stranger who is willing to donate a kidney. Living donation is possible because people can live normal, healthy lives with just one kidney.
Deceased Donors
Deceased donor kidneys come from people who have recently died and whose families have given permission for organ donation. These kidneys are distributed through a national allocation system.
The Transplant Process
The kidney transplant process involves several steps:
- Evaluation: A thorough medical examination to determine if you're a good candidate for transplant.
- Getting on the waiting list: If you don't have a living donor, you'll be placed on a national waiting list for a deceased donor kidney.
- Waiting period: The waiting time can vary from a few months to several years depending on blood type, tissue matching, and other factors.
- Transplant surgery: When a kidney becomes available, you'll undergo surgery to place the new kidney in your lower abdomen. Your own kidneys usually remain in place.
- Recovery: Most patients stay in the hospital for 4-7 days after surgery.
- Follow-up care: Lifelong immunosuppressive medications and regular check-ups are necessary to prevent rejection.
Success Rates and Life After Transplant
Kidney transplants are one of the most successful organ transplants. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the one-year survival rate for kidney transplant recipients is about 95% for recipients with living donors and about 90% for recipients with deceased donors.
After a successful kidney transplant, most people can return to a normal, active life. However, you'll need to:
- Take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of your life
- Have regular check-ups with your transplant team
- Follow a healthy lifestyle including proper diet and exercise
- Monitor for signs of infection or rejection