A kidney transplant can be an option for some people with kidney failure. During transplant surgery, a healthy donor kidney is placed in the recipient’s body to take over much of the filtering work that failing kidneys can no longer perform.
What happens during transplant evaluation?
Evaluation is designed to determine whether transplantation is medically suitable and to identify risks that should be addressed before surgery. This may include blood tests, heart and lung assessment, infection screening, cancer screening, review of other medical conditions, and assessment of potential donors when living donation is being considered.
Is transplant a cure?
No. Transplant is a treatment for kidney failure. After surgery, regular follow-up remains essential. Patients usually need long-term anti-rejection medicines to reduce the chance that the immune system will attack the transplanted kidney.
Why is post-transplant follow-up so important?
Follow-up allows the transplant team to monitor kidney function, medicine levels, blood pressure, infection risk and potential medicine side effects. Changes in creatinine or other results may need prompt assessment even when the patient feels well.
Medicines must be taken exactly as prescribed
Skipping anti-rejection medicines can place the transplanted kidney at serious risk. Never change doses or stop transplant medicines without advice from the transplant team.
Long-term kidney protection continues
Healthy eating, blood pressure management, diabetes control where relevant, vaccination planning, infection precautions and routine medical review remain important after transplant. Individual advice may change depending on the medicines used and the patient’s overall health.
Trusted patient education sources
This guide is written in patient-friendly language using established kidney education principles from the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and, for dialysis access, the National Kidney Foundation. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice.