How serious is kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant is a life-saving operation that allows patients to live longer, healthier lives. But it isn’t always successful. What happens if the organ fails? Kidney transplants are performed every day around the world. The success rate varies depending on the type of donor and recipient. In some cases, the surgery is unsuccessful, leading to death or dialysis. The percentage of kidney transplants that don’t work has gone up over the past 20 years. This alarming trend can be seen in long-term studies, which find that the success rate for kidney transplants has steadily declined in the United States and many other countries. In a large, long-term study of kidney transplantation published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that nearly half of all patients who have a successful transplant will eventually die or have to go on dialysis. Transplantation is a complex procedure that requires careful planning. If you’re considering donating your kidneys,...