Pre-Op: Risks & Considerations

Transplant offers better survival and quality of life for many people, but surgery and the medicines afterward have risks. Your team works to lower them.

Surgical & immediate risks

Bleeding, infection, blood clots.
Anesthesia complications (rare, individualized risk).
Delayed graft function: kidney is slow to wake up; may need dialysis briefly.
Urine/ureter issues that sometimes need a procedure to fix.

Early after surgery

Higher infection risk while doses are strong.
Medication side effects (blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes).

Longer-term considerations

Chronic rejection risk over years; requires steady follow-up.
Skin cancer risk is higher—sun protection and dermatology checks matter.

How risk is reduced

Careful screening and matching.
Antibiotics/antivirals when needed; vaccine planning.
Close labs and dose adjustments tailored to you.

Questions to ask: What are my biggest risks? What warning signs should I watch for at home? How often will labs be checked early on?

Educational info—not medical advice. Your team will personalize risk and prevention.