The success of kidney transplantation is affected by a number of factors. Generally, the chances that a transplanted kidney will continue to work correctly are between 89-95% one year after the operation.*
As research continues to make advancements, the rates of successful transplantation improve steadily. For example, transplant research has led to improvements in surgical techniques, preservation of donated kidneys and anti-rejection drugs.
The benefits to kidney transplantation include:
- High success rates
- Opportunity to live life dialysis-free
Advantages of a transplant from a living donor:
- Kidneys from living donors have been shown to last longer than kidneys from deceased donors.
- The operation can be planned ahead of time to fit into your schedule, since it is not necessary to be on call for a kidney to become available from a deceased donor.
- Some research shows that transplanting a kidney early, with little or no time spent on dialysis, can promote better long-term health.
- Living donors commonly experience positive feelings about their courageous gift.
- Receiving a kidney from a living donor frees up the kidney waiting list for someone else to receive a kidney from a deceased donor sooner.
Disadvantages of transplant from a living donor:
- A healthy person must undergo surgery to remove a healthy kidney.
- The donor will need to take time off work for recovery and may have to pay for expenses such as travel and lodging.
* (c) 2009 National Kidney Foundation, Inc.