This booklet is courtesy of the Renal Resource Centre.
A kidney transplant involves taking a kidney from the body of one person and implanting it surgically into the body of someone who has lost kidney function. The transplanted kidney can then perform the function of that person’s own kidneys.
Whilst a transplant is not a cure for renal (kidney) failure, it does allow patients to live a more ‘normal’ life than that experienced on dialysis. Patients with a well-functioning transplant have a greater sense of well being and are able to enjoy a lifestyle free of dialysis treatments, although they must continue with their transplant medications.
A transplant can mean improvement in anaemia, bone disease and in children, body growth. It also offers freedom from previous dietary and/or fluid restrictions and from restrictions on time and mobility. Kidneys are donated by live donors and deceased donors.
