Do kidney transplants involve removing the old?

Kidney transplants are a life-saving procedure for people suffering from kidney failure. [ad] There are, however, some misconceptions about the process. A common belief is that the old, damaged kidney...

Published 29 Aug 2024

Woman holding model kidney halves at body

Woman holding model human kidney halves at white body. This artificial model of a kidney organ is used on high school for education. School children learn in biology class about the human body and the function of various organs. The kidney is important for blood purification in the body. BEN-SCHONEWILLE/GETTY IMAGES

Kidney transplants are a life-saving procedure for people suffering from kidney failure.
[ad]

There are, however, some misconceptions about the process. A common belief is that the old, damaged kidney is removed during transplantation.

In a kidney transplant, a kidney is taken from one person (the donor) and given to another person (the recipient).

According to The National Health Service, Blood and Transplant, kidneys can be donated from living donors or from those who have died (deceased donors).
[ad]

The four-hour-long operation was carried out on March 16 on a 62-year-old man suffering from end-stage kidney disease, the hospital said. (Photo by Michelle ROSE / Massachusetts General Hospital / AFP)

A medical doctor, Olusina Ajidahun told Guardian Life that it depends on the conditions of the patient if the old kidney (s) would be removed or not.

Ajidahun, who specialises in internal medicine explained further: “There are various reasons surgeons might remove the old kidney(s) during a transplant: if it is cancerous, infected, or have abnormalities that are affecting the functions and have caused serious damages.
[ad]

“However, if the issue is chronic kidney disease, the old kidneys might not be removed. The new kidney can be inserted into another location, and the old kidneys may remain in place if they are not causing any harm.”
[ad]