About
Need to know
-
What happens icon plus
A kidney transplant usually takes around three hours and has three stages.
1. A cut is made in your lower abdomen through which the donated kidney is put in place. Your own kidneys will be left where they are unless they're causing pain or infection.
2. Nearby blood vessels are attached to those of the donated kidney.
3. The ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) of the donated kidney is connected to your bladder.A stent (a small plastic tube) may be inserted into the ureter to aid urine flow and is usually removed 4‒6 weeks later. The cut in your abdomen will be closed with surgical staples, stitches or surgical glue.
-
How to prepare icon plus
You'll be assessed to determine if you're suitable for kidney transplantation. Following a successful assessment you will be admitted into hospital.
At the hospital, you'll be assessed to ensure you have no new medical conditions.
Tests will also be done to ensure the donor kidney is suitable for you. Once this is confirmed, you'll be given general anaesthetic and taken to the operating theatre. -
Afterwards icon plus
You will feel some pain upon waking ‒ painkillers can be provided.
You'll also be put on immunosuppression therapy immediately to prevent rejection of the new kidney.
Most transplanted kidneys work immediately but some may take several days to work properly. Dialysis may be needed during this time.
Most people leave hospital in a week but you'll need to attend frequent check-ups to assess your kidney function and to ensure your medications are working.
For the first few weeks, you'll have two to three appointments a week, subsiding to once every few months after a year.
You should be able to resume work and normal activities within a few months.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Appointments & Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments 020 7234 2773
-
The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 5AH
Children's enquiries 020 7390 8020
Maternity enquiries 020 7390 6068
Gynaecology enquiries 020 7390 6200 -
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
Appointments 020 7935 7700
General enquiries 020 7034 8181
-
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
Appointments 020 7730 8298
General enquiries 020 7730 7733
-
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
Appointments 020 7908 8001
General enquiries 020 7486 1234
-
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Appointments 020 7483 5148
General enquiries 020 7586 5959
-
HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street
London
SE1 9BS
Call 020 3131 6888
Opening hours 7:30 - 20:00 Monday - Friday
Request an appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.