Kidney Transplant
During kidney transplant surgery, a healthy kidney (donor kidney) replaces your own diseased kidneys, which may or may not be removed.
Why is a kidney transplant done?
Kidney transplant surgery is done so that a healthy kidney (donor kidney) can do what your diseased kidney can no longer do. Kidney transplant is used when you have severe chronic kidney disease (renal failure) that cannot be reversed by another treatment method. You will not be able to have this surgery if you have an active infection, another life-threatening disease such as cancer, or severe heart or lung disease.
How is a kidney transplant done?
The doctor will make a cut (incision) in your lower belly. The doctor will place the donated kidney in your lower belly. The doctor will connect the blood vessels of the new kidney to your blood vessels. Then the ureter of the new kidney will be connected to your bladder. (A ureter is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.) Your own kidneys will not be taken out unless they are causing problems.
The doctor will finish the surgery by closing the cut with stitches or surgical staples. These will be removed about 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The cut will leave a scar that will fade with time.
After kidney transplant: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
- You have severe pain in your belly.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot keep down fluids or your anti-rejection medicines.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You are bleeding from the incision.
- You have symptoms of a urinary infection. For example:
- You have blood or pus in your urine.
- You have pain in your back just below your rib cage. This is called flank pain.
- You have a fever, chills, or body aches.
- It hurts to urinate.
- You have groin or belly pain.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
- You have trouble passing urine or stool.
- You have pain or swelling in your lower belly.
- You have signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- You have a weight gain of more than 2 pounds in 1 day.
- You have any problems with your anti-rejection medicine.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.
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