Kidney Transplant

Your best option for treatment is a kidney transplant, if you qualify. Kidney transplantation uses a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. It restores kidney function and eliminates the need for dialysis.

The transplanted kidney is placed without removing your old ones. It’s positioned in your lower abdomen, near your bladder and a strong blood supply. Most transplanted kidneys begin working right away, but some take longer. If that happens, you may need to stay on dialysis for a few weeks or even months until the new kidney “wakes up” enough to work on its own.

Living donor: A kidney donated by a family member, friend, or someone who wants to help.

Deceased donor: A kidney from someone who chose to give the gift of life after passing.

A living kidney donation is when a healthy person gives one of their kidneys to someone who needs a transplant. Because most people can live a normal life with just one kidney, it’s possible to donate while still alive. Living donors are often family members or close friends — but sometimes, even generous strangers.

If you're eligible, evaluation begins with a referral to a transplant center.  A referral can be made by a doctor, or you can self-refer.

To be added to the transplant list, you’ll need to contact a transplant center.

To improve your chances of finding a match, it’s a good idea to join the waitlist at more than one center.