Patient education
Kidney Transplant
A transplant places a healthy kidney from a donor into your body. For most people with kidney failure it offers better quality of life and longer survival than staying on dialysis — and it can sometimes be done before dialysis ever starts.
The basics
Why consider a transplant?
A working transplant does the job of your own kidneys around the clock, rather than in sessions — and that difference is felt in daily life.
Better energy and general wellbeing
Freedom from dialysis schedules
Fewer diet and fluid restrictions
Longer life expectancy for most patients
Easier work, travel and family life
Better long-term outcomes than dialysis
Donation
Where does the kidney come from?
Living donor
Often a close relative or spouse in good health. Living donor kidneys usually work immediately and last longer, and surgery can be planned at a convenient time.
Deceased donor
A kidney donated after death, allocated through a waiting list. Waiting times vary considerably depending on blood group and matching.
Pre-emptive transplant
A transplant performed before dialysis becomes necessary. Outcomes are generally best in this group, which is why early referral matters.
The journey
What the process involves
Every transplant follows the same broad path. Your team will guide you through each stage.
- 01
Referral and first discussion
Your nephrologist assesses whether transplantation is suitable for you and explains the options, benefits and risks in your specific situation.
- 02
Evaluation
Blood group and tissue typing, cross-matching, infection screening, heart and lung assessment, cancer screening and dental review. The aim is to confirm you can safely undergo surgery and immunosuppression.
- 03
Donor assessment
A potential living donor undergoes their own thorough medical and psychological evaluation, plus legal authorisation. Donor safety is assessed completely independently.
- 04
Surgery
The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen; your own kidneys are usually left in place. Most people are in hospital for about a week.
- 05
Immunosuppression
Anti-rejection medicines start immediately and continue for as long as the transplant works. They must be taken exactly as prescribed, at the same times each day.
- 06
Follow-up
Visits are frequent at first — often twice a week — then gradually spaced out. Blood tests monitor kidney function and drug levels for life.
Never stop or change an anti-rejection medicine on your own, even if you feel completely well. Missed doses are a leading cause of rejection.
What to be aware of
A transplant is a treatment, not a cure. Living well with one means understanding the trade-offs.
Aftercare
Protecting your new kidney
The habits that protect a transplanted kidney are simple, but they need to be lifelong and consistent.
Keep an up-to-date medicine list with you, and always tell any doctor or dentist that you are a transplant recipient before they prescribe anything.
Daily and long-term care
- Take medicines at the same time every day
- Attend every blood test and clinic visit
- Drink fluids as advised
- Practise good food and hand hygiene
- Keep vaccinations up to date (non-live)
- Use sun protection and check your skin
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
When should you seek medical help?
Contact your transplant team if you have
- Fever or any sign of infection
- Pain or tenderness over the transplant
- A sudden fall in urine output
- New swelling or rapid weight gain
- Vomiting that prevents you taking medicines
- A rise in creatinine on a blood test
Seek emergency care for
High fever, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, or being unable to keep anti-rejection medicines down.
The most important message
Transplantation offers many people with kidney failure their best quality of life. Asking about it early — ideally before dialysis — opens up the most options.
Start this conversation with your nephrologist early.
If you are concerned about your kidney health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional. This information is for patient education and does not replace individual medical advice.