Getting Ready for a Transplant

Kidney transplants are the preferred treatment for many people with kidney failure. Transplantation has many advantages, such as a lifestyle free from dialysis and fewer fluid and dietary restrictions. Kidney transplants, when successful, usually provide a better quality of life for most people, and they are less expensive than dialysis in the long run.

Is a kidney transplant right for me?

Some things to consider before saying "yes" to a kidney transplant are the risks and benefits of transplant, medications and their side effects, financial coverage and your ability to continue follow-up care as well as follow directions. The final decision is up to you, so you will need to ask questions at your evaluation in order to be comfortable with your final choice.

What type of kidney transplant is available for me?

There are two sources of kidney donations: a living donor (usually a close relative) or a non-living donor (someone who dies and donates their organs). Living donation is usually preferred because the success rate is higher (better than 90 percent for the first year), the recipient requires less anti-rejection medication and it is possible to plan when the transplant will take place. Those who do not have a living donor (most cases) can be placed on a transplant waiting list. The waiting time will vary depending on when a non-living donor kidney becomes available. The success rate for non-living donor transplantation is about 80 percent for the first year.

Which patients are candidates for transplant?

Those eligible for a kidney transplant must be healthy enough to have the surgery and be free from cancer and infection. You must also be able to comply with the medications and follow-up treatment.

What is involved when I am evaluated for a transplant?

Meet with a transplant surgeon to learn more about the risks and benefits of transplantation. It is necessary to meet with a transplant coordinator at the transplant center to discuss pre-transplant preparation and follow-up care during post-transplant. A tour of the transplant unit is provided, and you may have an opportunity to talk to a recent transplant recipient. If there are specific insurance concerns, a meeting with the transplant social worker can be arranged.

What tests need to be done before I go on the waiting list?

The purpose of the evaluation is to determine who is a good candidate for transplant and to decrease post-transplant complications. Usually, this includes the following tests prior to going on the transplant waiting list:

  • Medical history
  • Blood type
  • Tissue type
  • Infection screening
  • Chest x-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG).

Some people may require more tests. People whose kidneys have failed from diabetes, older people or people with symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain will need a heart evaluation. Women who have not had a Pap smear or pelvic exam in over a year will need an exam. Men will need their prostate checked. People with bladder control problems will need to evaluate their bladder function. Good oral hygiene is important, and if problems exist, you will need to see a dentist to have them corrected.

Who will pay for my transplant?

Private insurance and Medicare will cover most of the cost of the surgery, medication and clinic check-ups. However, the anti-rejection drugs are only covered by Medicare for three years after the transplant. In some states, special programs are available for kidney recipients that will help pay for drugs and other costs. You should meet with your social worker to discuss your options.

What do I need to know about being on the transplant waiting list?

You will need to keep your transplant center informed of major changes in your health status and your whereabouts, including phone numbers. The transplant coordinator needs this information to ensure that you will not miss the call to receive the kidney if one becomes available.

Updated: 04/27/04

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©2005 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. No one associated with the National Kidney Foundation will answer medical questions via e-mail. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.