Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. It is often the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or kidney failure and can significantly improve quality of life and life expectancy.

Unlike dialysis, which performs only part of the kidney's function, a transplant can restore nearly full kidney function, allowing patients to live a more normal, active life.

Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is recommended for individuals who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) that has progressed to end-stage renal disease, meaning the kidneys have lost about 90% of their ability to function.

Common causes of kidney failure include: