15 Most Common Questions About Kidney Transplants

Treatment is required when your kidneys fail to function properly. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are the two treatment options for kidney failure.
 

 Key Takeaways

1. Before you begin dialysis, you will be required to take a standardized test to assess your kidney function GFR (glomerular filtration rate). 

2. There is no standard age limit for a kidney transplant. 

3. Your location (country), medical expenses, the hospital, and insurance coverage, affect the cost of a kidney transplant.

Here are the Top 15 most common questions about kidney Transplants:

1. What is a kidney transplant?

An individual with kidney failure receives a new kidney during a kidney transplant, either from a living or deceased donor.

2. Am I eligible for a kidney transplant?

It would help if you were evaluated and accepted by the transplant program. Once the evaluation has been finalized, you are listed on the kidney waiting list. 

3. How do I get started on the kidney transplant process?

Talk to our patient support specialist to get you started on the kidney transplant process and be connected to top kidney transplant specialists. 

4. What conditions are treated with a kidney transplant? 

Diseases treated with kidney transplants include but are not limited to: polycystic kidney disease, nail-patella syndrome, glomerulonephritis, Berger disease, and congenital renal obstructive disorders. It is important to note that some conditions do not require a kidney transplant. 

5. What is the cost of a kidney transplant?

A person's location (country), medical expenses, the hospital, insurance coverage, and other factors, including the type of operation and the length of the post-operative recovery period, affect the cost of a kidney transplant.

Are you in need of a kidney transplant? Talk to our patient support specialist and get a FREE cost estimate for kidney transplants.

 

6. Can the evaluation process begin before dialysis?

Yes. You will be required to take a standardized test to assess your kidney function GFR (glomerular filtration rate). 

7. What kind of medical tests are done during the evaluation process?

The tests include kidney function tests and other vital organs, screening for other diseases and medical conditions, and testing of your blood and genetic immune system markers to match you with compatible kidney offers.

8. Is there a standard age limit for a kidney transplant?

There is no standard age limit for a kidney transplant. 

9. Who can be a living donor?

A living donor may be anyone if they are a medical match for you.

10. Why is a kidney transplant preferable to dialysis? 
 

You can live about 10 to 15 years longer than staying on dialysis.  

11. How long will I wait on the list? 

For a deceased donor kidney waiting period usually takes several years. Consider a living kidney donation from family or friends, which shortens the waiting period.  

12. What if I reject my new kidney? 

You will be required to take anti-rejection medications and have frequent blood testing in the first three months after transplantation and regular testing after that.  

13. Will my kidney diseases come back after the transplant? 

You will receive post-transplant care to help prevent a recurrence. 

14. How long will I live after a kidney transplant? 

The life expectancy of a living donor is 20–25 years, compared to the life expectancy of a kidney transplant from a deceased donor, which is 15–20 years. 

15. How can I get information on the kidney transplant process?

Talk to our patient support specialist and get information on kidney transplants.

Are you in need of a pre-transplant evaluation? Or do you want to talk to a top kidney specialist?  Talk to our patient support specialist to get you started on your recovery journey.