Kidney Transplant
This webpage will give you information about a kidney
transplant. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is a kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant is an operation to transfer a kidney from
one person (donor) to another (recipient).
If it is suitable, a kidney transplant is the best treatment for
people who have kidney failure.
What are the benefits of a transplant?
If the transplant is successful, you should feel better and be
able to have a more normal lifestyle without the restrictions of
dialysis.
Are there any alternatives to a transplant?
The only alternative is to continue with dialysis and treatment
with drugs.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes about two hours but can take longer.
Your surgeon will make a cut in your groin and make a space for
the transplanted kidney between the muscle layer and the peritoneal
cavity. Your own kidneys will be left in place.
Your surgeon will attach the artery and vein connected to the
kidney to the main artery and vein that supply your leg. They will
then join the ureter (tube that carries urine from the kidney) to
the top of your bladder. Sometimes your surgeon will place a stent
in the ureter to protect the join.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Blocking of the blood vessels to the kidney
- Blocking or leaking of the ureter
- Delayed working of the kidney
- Acute rejection of the kidney
- Infections
- Collection of fluid
- Temporary damage to nerves
- Transferring cancer or infection from the donor
3 Long-term (late) complications of a
transplant
- Failure of the kidney
- Blocking of the ureter
- Narrowing of the artery that supplies the kidney
- Death
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after seven to ten days.
It usually takes about two to three months to return to normal
activities. During this time you will be at an increased risk of
infection.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
In a small number of people the original kidney disease may
happen again in the transplanted kidney.
Summary
If it is suitable, a kidney transplant is the best treatment for
kidney failure.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Keith Rigg FRCS MD
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
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personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.