The Odds of Needing a Second Kidney Transplant
If you’re living with kidney failure, you may be exploring the option of a kidney transplant. But what happens after you get one? What are the odds you might need a second transplant down the road? The answer involves several factors.
How Long Do Transplanted Kidneys Last?
A kidney from a living donor can last 20–40 years, while one from a deceased donor typically lasts around 10–15 years. However, these are just averages. Some transplants last much longer, even for decades, while others may fail sooner.
Factors like your overall health, how well you follow your treatment plan, and your body’s response to the new kidney all play a role in how long it lasts.
Why Do Some Transplants Fail?
There are a few common reasons why a transplanted kidney might fail over time:
- Rejection: Your immune system may recognize the new kidney as “foreign” and try to attack it, even if you take antirejection medications.
- Chronic rejection or scarring: Over time, the kidney can develop scarring that reduces its function.
- Infections or other illnesses: Serious infections or complications like diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the transplanted kidney.
- Age of the donor kidney: If the donor kidney was from an older person, it may naturally wear out sooner.
What Are the Odds of Needing Another Transplant?
Studies show that about one in five kidney recipients (20%) will need a second transplant, and around 2% of kidney patients may need a third, or even a fourth. For those who’ve had their first transplant for 15–20 years, the likelihood of needing another one increases.
However, the good news is that second transplants are possible, and for many patients who receive a second transplant, the second kidney lasts for the remainder of their lives.
What Happens If Your Transplanted Kidney Fails?
If your transplanted kidney stops working, you’ll typically return to dialysis until another transplant becomes possible. Being listed for a second transplant is a bit more complex because your body has already been exposed to someone else’s tissue type, which can increase the risk of rejection. However, advanced matching techniques and medications are improving outcomes for second transplants.
How Can You Protect Your Transplanted Kidney?
Here are some steps you can take to lower your chances of needing another transplant:
- Take your medications as prescribed: Antirejection medications are crucial to keeping your kidney healthy.
- Get regular checkups: Your transplant team will monitor your kidney function and catch any issues early.
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Eating well, staying active, managing stress, and avoiding smoking can all help.
- Prevent infections: Wash your hands often, stay current with vaccines, and avoid contact with people who are contagious.
If you have concerns about your current kidney function or future transplant options, consult your nephrologist or transplant team.