During surgery, the new kidney is placed in position. Your existing kidneys are not usually removed. Sometimes, if you have large polycystic kidneys, one may be removed to make space for the transplant.
The operation usually takes 3 to 4 hours with variable hours of recovery. The new kidney is connected to your bladder so urine can flow, and a tube or catheter is placed in your bladder for up to 5 days (after which it's removed). You may come out of the operation with tubes at the operation site (a drain) or a catheter in your bladder.
Some kidneys start to work straight away, but others may take a few days or weeks. You'll be in hospital for about a week, depending on how quickly you recover from the surgery. The transplants kidney will be closely monitored with blood tests and scans. You may also be required to undergo a transplant biopsy where they take a small sample of the tissue.
You will need ongoing frequent monitoring of blood tests, blood pressure, drug levels and your health. Initially this will be very frequent (daily) and over time will become less frequent depending on your progress. Be prepared to come into the hospital daily after discharge.
You'll take medications, for the life of the transplanted kidney, to stop your body from rejecting it. These medication can make you more prone to serious illnesses such as infections and cancers.
Sometimes a kidney stops working because people stop taking these medications, so it's incredibly important that you take them regularly and a s prescribed. Along with general health and fitness, your kidney will last longer if you follow advice about caring for your kidney.
