This site has been prepared by the Transplant Service of the University of Texas Medical Branch in order to provide those persons considering a kidney transplant and their families an understanding of the process, risks, and benefits of kidney transplantation. Preparation for a transplant and understanding of the process and possible problems lessens anxiety for everyone.
Transplantation has an impact upon family members as well as the recipient.
For this reason, it is helpful for family members to be included in discussions so that their questions can also be answered. It is the hope, therefore, of the Transplant Service, that the information at this site will be read and discussed by the recipient and family as well as with the physicians and nurses involved in planning a kidney transplant. The first successful kidney transplant was performed in Boston in 1954 between identical twins. The early 1960's saw the beginning of kidney transplantation between non-related persons because medications which lessen the natural body reaction to an organ from another person became available. These medicines, called immunosuppressants, are the key to successful kidney transplantation today.