Kidney transplant

Transplanting an organ, whether from a living donor or a deceased donor, is a life-changing surgery, and not only because it can cure kidney disease and kidney failure. Candidates for a kidney transplant must be in good overall health, have a donor with a blood type compatible with theirs and be prepared to maintain their health for a lifetime.

During a kidney transplant, the donated kidney is placed in the abdomen and delicately attached to the necessary vessels. Most often, neither of the existing kidneys will be removed, and instead the donated organ takes over their original function from a new location in the body. After the donated kidney is placed and you begin to recover, your care team of surgeons, doctors and other specialists will monitor you and your health as your body adjusts and your new kidney starts to function. From there, as you recover, your doctors and you will create and plan of care that will help you maintain your health for a lifetime.

There is low cost housing available a few blocks away from the Research Medical Center Campus that family members or recipients can rent. This housing is for people who have traveled from out of town and prefer to stay close by during pre-transplant testing or transplant surgery. All reservations must be made in advance. Contact your transplant coordinator for more information or to make reservations.

Becoming a living donor of a kidney is a serious commitment, but it is one that truly changes lives for the better. If you are interested in giving the gift of life, we invite you to learn more about the living kidney donor program in our videos below:

Becoming a living donor of a kidney is a serious commitment, but it is one that truly changes lives for the better. If you are interested in giving the gift of life, we invite you to learn more about the program at The Transplant Institute at Research Medical Center.