Kidney Transplant
A patient and family guide, Lucknow

A kidney transplant can free people with kidney failure from dialysis and help them return to work and family life. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, nephrologists and transplant surgeons work together on donor and recipient assessment, legal approvals, surgery and lifelong follow-up.

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NABH-accredited hospital DM nephrologists & M.Ch transplant surgeons Transplant authorisation committee 24×7 dialysis & ICU

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About transplant

What is a kidney transplant?

In a kidney transplant, a healthy kidney from a donor is placed in the lower abdomen of the person with kidney failure (the recipient) and joined to their blood vessels and bladder. The recipient’s own kidneys are usually left in place. Most transplants in India use a kidney from a living family donor; kidneys from deceased donors are allocated through the state organ-sharing system.

  • Assessment of the recipient by nephrologists
  • Medical and psychological checks of the donor
  • Approvals as required by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act
  • Surgery by urology and transplant surgeons
  • Lifelong follow-up and anti-rejection medicines

Living donor

Usually a close family member.

Legal approval

Committee review under the law.

Surgery

Donor and recipient operations on the same day.

Lifelong care

Medicines to prevent rejection.

300Bed multispeciality hospital
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Who can have one

Who may be suitable for a transplant?

A transplant may be considered if you have:

Kidney failure

End-stage kidney disease, on or near dialysis.

Diabetes or BP-related kidney disease

Common causes in India.

Good heart and lung fitness

Checked during assessment.

No active infection or cancer

These need treatment first.

A willing donor

Often a family member; matching is tested.

Ability to take medicines

Every day, for life.

Not everyone is suitable for a transplant. Our nephrologists will assess you carefully and explain all options, including dialysis. Call 0522-666-4444.

Donors

Types of kidney donation

Tap a card to read more.

Related living donor

A close relative

Who

Parents, brothers, sisters, children, spouse or grandparents, as defined by law.

Checks

Blood group, tissue typing, kidney function and overall health.

Donor life

Most donors live normally with one kidney.

Other living donors

Near relatives or others

Approval

Requires authorisation committee approval as per law.

Rule

Buying or selling organs is illegal.

Help

Our transplant coordinator explains the documents.

Authorisation process

Paired (swap) donation

When the family donor does not match

What it is

Two donor–recipient pairs exchange donors.

Approval

Allowed under the law with committee approval.

Ask

Our team can explain whether it is possible.

Deceased donor

Cadaver transplant

What it is

A kidney from a person declared brain dead, with family consent.

How

Allocated through the state organ-sharing registry.

Waiting

Waiting times can be long.

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Assessment

Tests before transplant

Both the recipient and the donor are carefully assessed.

Blood group & tissue typing

Checks compatibility.

Cross-match

Tests whether the recipient reacts to donor cells.

Heart & lung checks

ECG, echo and other tests.

Infection screening

Hepatitis, HIV, TB and others.

Donor kidney scan

Checks the donor’s kidneys and blood vessels.

Dialysis or transplant?

Tap to compare.

Surgery

The transplant operation and recovery

Here is what to expect.

Removing the donor kidney

The donor’s kidney is usually removed by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, which means smaller cuts and a quicker recovery.

General anaesthesiaUsually laparoscopicHospital stay of a few days

Recovery

  • Walking the next day
  • Back to light work in 2 to 4 weeks
  • Yearly check-ups

Safety

  • Detailed health checks first
  • Kidney function monitored
  • Long-term follow-up
Your journey

From first visit to transplant

Step 1

Consultation

Nephrologist reviews your kidney disease and options.

Step 2

Tests

Recipient and donor work-up.

Step 3

Approvals

Documents and authorisation committee review.

Step 4

Estimate

Costs and insurance explained.

Step 5

Surgery

Donor and recipient operations.

Step 6

Follow-up

Lifelong nephrology care.

Life after transplant

Living with a new kidney

General guidance — always follow your transplant team’s advice.

Medicines

Take anti-rejection medicines at the same times every day. Never stop or change them without advice.

Check with the transplant team before taking any new medicine, including herbal remedies.

Infection

Wash hands often and avoid people with infections, especially in the first months.

Report fever, cough or burning urine early.

Diet

Eat freshly cooked food and drink clean water.

Limit salt and sugar; follow the diet your dietitian gives.

Work & activity

Many people return to work in 2 to 3 months.

Regular walking helps; avoid contact sports.

Contact us urgently if

  • Fever or chills
  • Reduced urine or swelling
  • Pain over the new kidney
  • Vomiting or being unable to take medicines
  • Sudden weight gain or breathlessness
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common worries about kidney donation

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“A donor cannot live a normal life with one kidney.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most donors live normal, healthy lives with one kidney, with regular check-ups.

Myth

“A transplant is a permanent cure.”

Tap to flip
Fact

A transplant treats kidney failure but needs lifelong medicines and follow-up.

Myth

“Only blood relatives can donate.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Spouses and some others can donate with legal approval.

Myth

“Organs can be bought.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Buying or selling organs is a crime in India. All donations are reviewed under the law.

Transplant team

Meet the transplant team

Nephrology Urology Authorisation Transplant cost
Practical help

Documents, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Previous kidney reports and dialysis records
  • Photo ID and proof of relationship for the donor
  • Blood group reports of donor and recipient
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter
  • A list of all medicines

Costs & insurance

The cost of a kidney transplant includes donor and recipient tests, surgery for both, hospital stay and the first months of medicines. See our transplant cost guide, and ask for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Who can donate a kidney?

Usually a close relative with a compatible blood group and good health. Others may donate with legal approval.

How long does the operation take?

The recipient operation usually takes 3 to 4 hours.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Recipients usually stay 7 to 14 days; donors about 5 to 7 days.

Will I need dialysis after transplant?

Most people do not. Sometimes dialysis is needed for a short time until the new kidney starts working well.

How long does a transplanted kidney work?

Many transplanted kidneys work for many years. Taking medicines and attending follow-up help it last.

What legal approvals are needed?

Approvals under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, including review by the authorisation committee. Our coordinator will guide you.

Is kidney transplant covered by insurance?

Many health insurance policies cover kidney transplant. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and other government schemes cover some transplant-related treatment for eligible patients. Our insurance desk can check what applies to you.

How do I start the process?

Call 0522-666-4444 to book a consultation with our nephrologists.

Glossary

Words you may hear

RecipientThe person who receives the kidney.
DonorThe person who gives the kidney.
Cross-matchA test of compatibility between donor and recipient.
HLA typingTissue typing used for matching.
RejectionWhen the body’s immune system attacks the new kidney.
ImmunosuppressantsAnti-rejection medicines.
THOTATransplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act.
CreatinineA blood test of kidney function.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Nephrology Kidney transplant cost Dialysis Urology Transplant authorisation Transplant disclaimer

Talk to our transplant team

Book a consultation with our nephrologists. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Nephrology, Kidney Transplant & 24/7 Advance Dialysis Unit, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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