Kidney transplantation is typically classified as cadaveric or living-donor transplantation depending on the source of the recipient organ. A kidney transplant is recommended for persons with kidney failure and no ability to live without dialysis or a transplant.

The pre-transplant evaluation includes several blood tests: blood chemistries, blood clotting time, blood type, human leukocyte antigens (HLA). All these tests help determine the likelihood of success of an organ transplant. If a living donor wants to donate a kidney, he or she will need to be evaluated for general health and to see whether the kidney is a good match.

Diagnostic tests that are performed include renal ultrasound, kidney biopsy, and series of x-rays of the kidney, ureters and bladder.

The transplanted kidney is usually placed in a location different from the original kidney, because the barely functioning existing kidneys are not removed. The operation usually takes 3-4 hours. Patient will be given a general anesthetic. The ureter from the new kidney will be connected to the bladder. Sometimes a few weeks pass before the transplanted kidney starts working.

Medications must be given for the rest of patient life to fight rejection. Some of the common symptoms of rejection are: fever, high blood pressure, tenderness over the kidney, and high levels of blood creatinine.

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