What is a Kidney Transplant?

Kidney transplant means another person’s kidney is surgically placed in your body to do the work your kidneys can no longer do.  It’s not a cure, and you will continue to need medical follow-up after a transplant, including medications to keep your body from attacking the transplanted kidney.   But you won’t need dialysis, and patients who have had transplants have better health and a longer life on average.

The donated kidney can come from a living donor, usually a friend or relative, or from a deceased donor.  There is a long waiting list for a deceased donor kidney.

Not everyone is a good transplant candidate. There’s an evaluation process that can take several months, so it’s good to start early.  Your eGFR must be below 20  to be eligible for a transplant.  If you’re interested in transplant, ask your doctor if transplant is right for you and when you should start an evaluation.

          ·          eGFR

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