Kidney transplant: How it works and what to expect 

If your kidneys are no longer working well enough to keep you healthy, a kidney transplant may be one of the treatment options your healthcare team discusses with you.

The process can feel overwhelming at first. You may have questions about waiting lists, living donors, surgery, recovery and how long a transplanted kidney can last.

Understanding what to expect can help you make informed decisions and prepare for the road ahead. 

The kidney transplant procedure

How long does a kidney transplant take? The surgery typically lasts about three hours, although timing varies from person to person. Most patients stay in the hospital for about three days afterward.

Kidney transplant recovery continues at home and includes close follow-up care.

“It involves blood tests twice a week and clinic visits every one to three weeks,” says Steven Katznelson, M.D., a nephrologist with Sutter. After the first couple of months, the frequency of both blood testing and clinic visits decreases.  

Some patients may benefit from physical therapy, while others are encouraged to gradually increase their activity through regular walking. Most people can return to work within six to eight weeks, though recovery timelines vary.

Understanding transplant timelines

Many patients wonder how hard it is to get a kidney transplant and how the waiting list works. For a kidney from a deceased donor, the average wait is 6 to 7 years, although wait times vary significantly based on factors such as location, blood type and donor availability.

A living donor transplant is usually the best and fastest option. A living donor may be a relative, friend or someone else who is healthy and medically compatible.  

If a willing donor is not a match, a paired donation — sometimes called a kidney swap — may still make transplantation possible. In a paired donation, one donor gives a kidney to a compatible recipient, while another donor provides a kidney to you. The process can help multiple patients receive transplants.

“We have resources here that can help someone find a living donor because it’s a better option,” Katznelson says.

One of the most important steps is talking with your healthcare team early.

“If someone doesn’t have a living donor and are interested a deceased donor kidney transplant, they will be placed on the waiting list. Patients can be placed on the waiting list when their GFR is at or below 20 of if they are already on dialysis. There are advantages to getting on the waiting list as soon as possible  

If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease, ask your provider about your treatment options as early as possible. 

After a transplant

How long does a kidney transplant last?

On average, a kidney from a deceased donor functions for about 10 to 12 years. A kidney from a living donor lasts about 16 to 18 years. However, these are averages, and individual results vary widely.

“I just saw a patient in clinic who is on his 34th year after his kidney transplant,” Katznelson says, “and he is still doing well.”

The lifespan of a transplanted kidney depends on many factors, including the health and age of both the donor and recipient, how well medications are managed and overall lifestyle habits.

“Though we teach patients about the statistics, I encourage patients to work closely both with the transplant team and their local health care team to stay as healthy as possible throughout the pre- and post-transplant course.  This will increase the chances of beating the averages and maximizing success after their transplant,” Katznelson says.

Following your treatment plan, taking medications as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can all help support long-term transplant success. 

Looking ahead

A kidney transplant is a significant procedure, but it can offer many people greater freedom, improved health and a better quality of life.

The process can take time, which is why early conversations with your healthcare team are so important. Understanding your options, exploring living donation and preparing for recovery can help you make informed decisions every step of the way.