Prognosis Kidney Transplant

In the majority of cases the new kidney will start working straight after the operation; but it can take a few weeks before it will start making urine.

The usual recovery period is between four and six weeks for kidney donors.

Rejection of the new kidney is the most common post-operative problem for the recipient. The patient is given immune suppressants, usually cyclosporine, and corticosteroids to reduce the risk of rejection.
Although the risk of rejection decreases over time, patients who have undergone kidney transplantation will have to take immune suppressants for the rest of their lives.

Long-term use of immune suppressants may give certain side effects which can vary from raised blood pressure and cholesterol to weakening of the bones. There is also an increased risk of cancer.
Rejection can be acute or chronic (that is over a period of time) and can usually be detected by paying attention to some early signs.

These are typically: FeverSoreness in the area of the new kidney Changes in the amount of urine produced

If recipients do experience a rejection, the specialist will assess whether they can have a second kidney transplant.

Other post-transplantation problems may include:Infections caught as a consequence of the use of immune suppressants and the lowered immune systemLymphoma due to the use of immune suppressantsBone problems caused by a lack of calcium and phosphateOther side effects of immune suppressants and corticosteroids can include ulcers, diabetes, obesity, hair problems and high levels of cholesterol