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Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is when a healthy kidney from someone else is put into your body. The new kidney can help replace the work of your kidneys when they have stopped working.
What are the types of kidney transplants?
There are two main types of kidney transplants: living donor transplants and deceased donor transplants.
- Living Donor Transplants
Because each person only needs one healthy kidney to live, a person with two healthy kidneys can donate one kidney to someone whose kidneys have failed. This is called a living donor transplant.
A living donor can be a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. Before the transplant, both you and the living donor need to have some tests done. This helps make sure that you are a good match. It also makes sure that both you and the donor are healthy enough for the operation.
- Deceased Donor Transplants
You can also get a kidney transplant from someone who has just died. This is called a deceased donor transplant.
Before you can be put on the waiting list for a deceased donor transplant, you will need to have some tests done. These tests help make sure that the kidney you get is a good match for you. They also make sure that you are healthy enough for the operation.
How can I get a transplant?
Talk to your doctor if you would like to get a kidney transplant. Your doctor can help determine if you are a good candidate for a transplant. He or she can also refer you to a transplant center for the testing you need.
Once your tests are done, you can start looking for a living donor. You can also be added to the transplant waiting list to wait for a deceased donor transplant.
How should I take care of my new kidney?
A kidney transplant is a treatment, not a cure. You will need to take steps to keep your new kidney healthy.
One risk of a kidney transplant is that your body will reject the new kidney. This can happen because your body knows that the kidney is from someone else. If your body does reject your new kidney, your new kidney may stop working.
To help keep your body from rejecting your new kidney, you will need to take anti-rejection medicines (also called immunosuppressants). These medicines help keep your body from attacking your new kidney.
Be sure to take your anti-rejection medicines just how your doctor tells you. If you have a problem with side effects, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking the anti-rejection medicines.
Revised 12/10.
© Copyright 2010 American Kidney Fund.
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