Kidney Transplantation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Kidney Transplantation?
A nephrologist specializes in kidney diseases and guides care before and after a transplant. A transplant surgeon performs the operation itself. A direct primary care doctor or a concierge doctor, who charges a flat monthly fee instead of using insurance, can help manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that lead to kidney disease and refer the patient to a nephrologist when needed.
What it is
A kidney transplant is surgery that places a healthy kidney from another person into your body. The new kidney can come from a living donor or from someone who has died.
Symptoms
People who need a kidney transplant usually have kidney failure, meaning the kidneys can no longer clean waste from the blood. Common signs include feeling very tired, swelling in the legs and ankles, trouble sleeping, poor appetite, and itchy skin. After a transplant, warning signs include fever, pain near the new kidney, and less urine than usual.
Causes and who gets it
The most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other causes include glomerulonephritis, which inflames the tiny filters inside the kidneys, and polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition causing fluid-filled sacs in the kidneys. It is more common in people with long-term diabetes or high blood pressure.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use blood and urine tests to measure waste products such as creatinine and see how well the kidneys are working. Ultrasound can show the size and shape of the kidneys. Before a transplant, patients go through an evaluation that checks heart health and readiness for surgery.
Treatment
Treatment for kidney failure includes dialysis, which filters the blood using a machine, or a kidney transplant. During a transplant, a surgeon places the new kidney in the lower belly and connects it to blood vessels and the bladder. Afterward, patients take medicines called immunosuppressants, which lower the immune system so the body does not attack the new kidney. Many transplanted kidneys work well for years, but some people need dialysis again later.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with symptoms of kidney problems, such as swelling, extreme tiredness, or changes in urination, should see a doctor. People with diabetes or high blood pressure should have their kidneys checked regularly, even if they feel fine. After a transplant, contact the care team right away for fever, pain, or a drop in urine output.
Common questions
Can a person live with one kidney?
Yes. Many people live healthy lives with a single kidney, which is why living donors can give one of theirs. Donors go through careful testing before surgery.
How long does a transplanted kidney last?
It varies from person to person. Many kidneys work for ten years or more, and some last much longer. Regular checkups and taking prescribed medicines help protect the new kidney.
Is a transplant better than dialysis?
For many people, a transplant offers more freedom and better quality of life than dialysis. But it is major surgery and requires lifelong medicines. The right choice depends on each person's health and situation.
Can the body reject a new kidney?
Yes. Rejection happens when the immune system attacks the new kidney. Taking immunosuppressant medicines as prescribed lowers this risk, and doctors watch for signs of rejection with blood tests.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Kidney Transplantation
- National Kidney Foundation - 20 Common Questions about Kidney Transplant
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
