Understanding Kidney Transplant
Discover how the kidney transplant team at Baylor Scott & White Health can help you find the care you need. Access our treatment guide and learn the facts on kidney transplantation and kidney transplant criteria.
Different Types of Kidney Transplants
If you have a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (more commonly known as kidney failure) and don’t have any conditions that would exclude you from getting an organ transplant, you may be considered a good candidate for a kidney transplant. There are three potential options to consider when a kidney transplant is needed:
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Living kidney transplant – a kidney can be donated by a family member, friend or someone with an emotional tie to the recipient. The living kidney donor does not have to be a blood relative or the same race or gender of the recipient, but their blood and tissue types must be compatible. -
Paired kidney donation – this procedure allows a would-be kidney donor to donate their kidney to a recipient who was not compatible to their donor, but who is compatible with another recipient. Their kidney donor would then donate to the other patient in need. -
Deceased kidney donation – patients in need of a kidney transplant can be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) kidney transplant waiting list. Deceased kidney donations are allocated based on several factors, including compatibility between the patient and donor and length of time on dialysis. -
Why Choose Baylor Scott & White Health
If kidney disease is impacting your health and quality of life and you may be a good candidate for kidney transplant surgery, your physician can refer you to a Baylor Scott & White Health kidney transplant. Following a diagnosis of kidney failure, evaluation includes a series of physical examinations, diagnostic tests and educational meetings. With one of the largest kidney transplant programs in Texas and more than a 30-year history of providing organ transplant services, we can help you feel confident taking the next step in your kidney transplant journey.