Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is the surgical placement of a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a patient with end-stage kidney disease. The transplanted kidney takes over the function of the failed kidneys, eliminating the need for dialysis. The patient's own kidneys are usually left in place. The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and connected to local blood vessels and the bladder. Iswarya Hospital has performed over 500 kidney transplants and is one of Chennai's leading renal transplant centres.
How Kidney Transplant is performed
- 1
Pre-transplant workup: blood group, HLA tissue typing, cross-match testing.
- 2
For a living donor: laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is performed simultaneously.
- 3
The recipient is placed under general anaesthesia.
- 4
An incision is made in the lower abdomen (not the back).
- 5
The donor kidney's blood vessels are connected to the recipient's iliac vessels.
- 6
The donor ureter is connected to the recipient's bladder.
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The new kidney typically starts producing urine on the table.
Benefits of Kidney Transplant
- ✓Best long-term outcome for end-stage kidney disease — better than dialysis
- ✓Frees the patient from the burden of three-weekly dialysis sessions
- ✓Significantly better quality of life, energy levels, and survival
- ✓Dietary restrictions are less severe than on dialysis
- ✓Enables return to work and normal activity
Preparing for Kidney Transplant
- Complete medical, cardiac, and cancer screening before listing for transplant.
- Maintain good dialysis to be in optimal health at the time of transplant.
- Family members can be evaluated as potential living donors — preferred over deceased donor.
- Update all vaccinations before starting immunosuppression.
- Psychological assessment and counselling.
Risks and side effects of Kidney Transplant
- Rejection — the immune system attacks the new kidney; managed with immunosuppressive drugs
- Infections — risk is increased by immunosuppression
- Delayed graft function — new kidney takes days or weeks to work fully
- Surgical complications: bleeding, urine leak, vascular thrombosis
- Side effects of long-term immunosuppression: diabetes, hypertension, skin cancer
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise them.
Recovery after Kidney Transplant
- Hospital stay of 7–14 days post-transplant.
- Strict adherence to immunosuppressive medications — never stop without medical advice.
- Regular blood tests to monitor kidney function and drug levels.
- Attend all scheduled outpatient appointments — very frequent initially.
- Lifelong vigilance for infection, rejection, and cancer screening.
Kidney Transplant FAQs
How long does a transplanted kidney last?
Living donor kidneys last an average of 15–20 years; deceased donor kidneys average 10–15 years. With good care, some last much longer.
Do I still need dialysis after transplant?
No. A functioning transplant replaces the need for dialysis entirely. Some patients need dialysis for a short period if the kidney takes time to start working (delayed graft function).
Can a family member donate a kidney?
Yes. Living-related donation from a compatible family member (parent, sibling, child, spouse) gives the best outcomes. Our transplant team evaluates potential donors thoroughly to ensure donor safety.
Kidney Transplant at Iswarya Hospital
Exceptional clinical skills in both preventive and interventional nephrology, including renal transplantation. Led by Dr. Muthu Kumar P., Head of the Department.
Related guides
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ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.