Kidney Transplant: Before Your Surgery

You may need a transplant when your kidneys no longer work.

A kidney transplant is a surgery that gives you a healthy kidney.

The healthy kidney has been donated by another person.

The donor may be still living.

Or the kidney may have come from an organ donor who died.

The new-to-you kidney can do the work that your kidneys can't-- filtering waste and balancing fluids.

Your surgery is scheduled when you're healthy enough to have it...

and a kidney match is found.

Before the surgery, follow your instructions for how to get ready, including what you can eat or drink and which medicines to take.

You'll get medicine to make you sleep and keep you from feeling pain.

During the surgery, the doctor makes a cut to create an opening in your lower belly.

The doctor places the donated kidney in your lower belly.

The doctor will connect the new kidney to your blood vessels and to your bladder.

Most of the time, your doctor leaves your kidneys in your body.

The surgery takes about 3 to 5 hours.

And you may have to stay in the hospital for several days, possibly more than a week.

Most people need to take about 4 weeks off from work.

It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

Getting a new kidney can help you feel better and have more energy.

And knowing a little about what to expect can help you have a successful surgery.