What is a kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that’s done to treat kidney failure. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and remove it from the body through your urine. They also help maintain your body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. If your kidneys stop working, waste builds up in your body and can make you very sick.
How serious is a kidney transplant?
Potential risks. The most serious risk of a transplant is that your body rejects the kidney. However, it's rare that your body will reject your donor kidney. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 90 percent of transplant recipients who get their kidney from a living donor live for at least five years after surgery.