Where are you right now? · Step 8 of 9
Transplant day
“Who should my family call?”
What happens on kidney transplant day?
If you are waiting for a donor kidney, you must go to the hospital as soon as you learn a kidney is available.1 You will be asleep for the surgery, which usually takes 3 or 4 hours.1
If a family member or friend gives you a kidney, the surgery is planned ahead of time.1
You will probably stay in the hospital for several days, or longer if there are problems.1 The new kidney may work right away or take up to a few weeks. If it is slow to start, you will need dialysis until it works.1
Ask your center how it will reach you, how soon you need to arrive and who your family should call.
Questions to bring to your team
- Who should my family call on transplant day?
Sources
- NIH / NIDDK. Kidney Transplant. Have your kidney transplant. How will I feel after my transplant? What are the possible problems after a kidney transplant? Checked October 31, 2026.
Page facts
Written by the TransplantCheck team.
Facts checked against official sources on October 31, 2026.
Changes
- November 2, 2026: first version, with answers from The kidney care journey.