Recovery, care, and life after kidney transplant

From your first days in the hospital after transplant surgery, through all the years after, our team is by your side to help you live your best life.

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All the care you need after kidney transplant

Receiving a new kidney is the first step toward a new life of more freedom and better health. The kidney transplant team at Penn Medicine is here to take the journey with you. After receiving a transplant with us, you’re part of our transplant family for life.

Recovering after a kidney transplant

Our team has guided thousands of people through recovery after kidney transplant surgery. We know firsthand that expert medical care, emotional support, and access to resources make all the difference, and we’re dedicated to making sure you get everything you need.

The steps of kidney transplant recovery include:

Managing risks after kidney transplant surgery

All surgeries come with risks and organ transplantation has additional potential complications. We—along with your regular doctors—watch you closely for the rest of your life to lower the risk of complications including:

  • Delayed graft function: Sometimes a transplanted kidney doesn’t start working properly right after surgery. It can take up to a few weeks for the kidney to function normally. In the meantime, you’ll have dialysis.
  • Infection: The immunosuppressant medication that helps protect your new kidney also leaves you more susceptible to infection. We watch you closely for signs of infection and treat it quickly.
  • High blood pressure: High blood pressure after kidney transplant can contribute to delayed graft function and rejection. We check your blood pressure often and offer treatment when needed.
  • New-onset diabetes: Immunosuppressant medication can raise the likelihood that you develop Type 2 diabetes after kidney transplant. We monitor your blood sugar to look for signs that this is happening.

What happens if a kidney transplant is rejected?

Rejection of a transplanted organ happens when your body identifies the organ as foreign, and your immune system attacks it. You’ll take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of your life to help prevent rejection and our team monitors for signs of rejection so we can intervene early and reverse it.

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Patient stories

The road to recovery begins at home

Penn Medicine’s SNF at Home pilot program offers a seamless transition from the hospital to home with extra support to recover in familiar surroundings.

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With Penn Medicine Advanced Home Health, even patients facing a potentially serious medical issue can receive care safely at home.

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