Kidney transplants

Living donor kidney transplants

Living donors are the only kind of kidney transplants offered by Imperial College Healthcare Private Care. This is where a kidney is donated by a living person, a relative or a friend.

This surgery is suitable for any patient, but whenever possible we will aim to transplant the organ before dialysis is required as this offers a better long-term outcome.

Our expert surgeons have developed the transplantation procedure so that we can also offer it to higher-risk patients and those with complex medical conditions or significant health problems – still with excellent outcomes. We carry out the procedure using minimally invasive techniques, which minimises post-operative pain and eases recovery.

Our transplant surgeons work together with an expert team of nephrologists, interventional radiologists, pathologists and living donor coordinators.

Working as a multidisciplinary team, they take a holistic approach to patient care so that your treatment will be tailored appropriately for your condition and medical history.

The team will ensure that their recommendations are carefully explained to you, and you will be central to any decision making about your treatment.

Why chose living donor kidney donation?

As the organ comes from a healthy individual, living donors are usually a very good match and the kidneys are in much better physical condition than from a deceased donor.
The kidney may come from one of your family members (blood-related or non-blood-related) or a friend.

For the kidney donor

As the kidney donor, you are likely to be generally healthy, which means we can carry out minimally invasive laparoscopic or mini-open surgery. This typically allows you to go home after two or three days. These widely used techniques are safe and unintrusive.

After surgery, we will ensure you are well looked after. You will receive regular health check-ups, which as an added benefit, provides opportunities for us to pick-up health issues unrelated to the surgery, should any occur.

You are unlikely to experience any health problems or changes to your lifestyle as a result of your surgery, but your transplant team can talk you through the risks involved, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.

Once your surgery is complete, we will continue to monitor your progress to check that you heal properly and remain fit and healthy.

We also offer patients a 24/7 contact line, so our team is always available if you have any issues or concerns. We would encourage you to get in touch to report any problems as soon as possible. Your clinical team will advise you of the details during your consultations.

For the kidney recipient

If you are receiving a kidney, we will ensure you are in the best possible condition for your kidney transplant and the post-operative period.

The surgery is considered to be very safe. The surgery itself takes just a couple of hours. Once your surgery is complete, we will continue to monitor your progress to check that you heal properly and remain fit and healthy.

We also offer patients a 24/7 contact line, so our team is always available if you have any issues or concerns. We would encourage you to get in touch to report any problems as soon as possible. Your clinical team will advise you of the details during your consultations.