A kidney transplant is an operation in which a healthy donor kidney is placed into a person with kidney failure. The transplanted kidney filters the recipient's blood and produces urine. The patient's original kidneys are usually left in place unless there is a specific medical reason to remove them.

Kidney transplantation may be considered for selected patients with advanced irreversible kidney disease or kidney failure who are medically suitable for surgery and long-term immunosuppression. Evaluation considers heart and overall health, infection and cancer risks, medication adherence, psychological readiness, and other clinical factors. Not every patient with kidney failure automatically qualifies.

Yes. A medically suitable living person may be able to donate one kidney, but donation requires comprehensive evaluation of the donor's health and long-term risks. KDIGO emphasizes individualized risk assessment and protecting the health and welfare of the donor throughout the process.

Usually not. The donor kidney is generally placed in the lower abdomen while the patient's existing kidneys remain in their normal position. Removal may be necessary in selected circumstances such as significant infection, certain cancers, or other specific medical problems.

Kidney-transplant recipients generally require long-term, commonly lifelong immunosuppressive medicines to prevent the immune system from attacking the transplanted kidney. These medicines should never be stopped or changed without guidance from the transplant team. They also increase susceptibility to infection and require regular clinical and Laboratory monitoring.

Regular blood tests are used to monitor kidney function after transplantation. Creatinine and other Laboratory results can identify changes before symptoms appear. When graft dysfunction or rejection is suspected, additional testing such as Ultrasound, medication-level testing, antibody testing, or kidney biopsy may be required.

A functioning transplant can replace kidney function and may allow an appropriate patient to live without routine dialysis, but it is not a guaranteed permanent cure. Rejection, infection, medication complications, recurrence of kidney disease, or gradual graft failure can occur. Lifelong medication and follow-up are therefore essential.