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Hospital Stay After Kidney Transplant

Learn what to expect during your hospital stay after a kidney transplant, including recovery time, monitoring procedures, and essential post-operative care for a smooth and safe healing process.

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Last updated on 17th Jul, 2025

Introduction

Undergoing a kidney transplant is a life-changing event, and the hospital stay afterward plays a crucial role in your recovery. If you or a loved one is preparing for a transplant, understanding what happens during this period can help ease anxiety and ensure a smoother healing process.

Why Is a Hospital Stay Necessary After a Kidney Transplant?

After the transplant surgery, your medical team will closely monitor you to:

  • Ensure the new kidney is functioning well.

  • Prevent infections or complications.

  • Adjust medications to avoid rejection.

  • Help you regain strength before going home.

  • Most patients stay in the hospital for 5 to 10 days, but this may vary depending on recovery progress.

What Happens During Your Hospital Stay?

Here’s what happens during your hospital stay:

1. Immediate Post-Surgery Care (First 24–48 Hours)

  • You’ll be in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) or a specialised transplant unit for close monitoring.

  • Doctors will check your blood pressure, urine output, and kidney function frequently.

  • You may have IV fluids, pain relief, and immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection.

  • A catheter (small tube) may be placed to drain urine until your bladder adjusts.

2. Recovery Phase (Days 2–5)

  • You’ll be moved to a regular hospital room as you stabilise.

  • Blood tests will be done daily to ensure the kidney is working well.

  • You’ll start walking slowly to prevent blood clots and improve circulation.

  • Your diet will gradually shift from liquids to solid foods.

3. Before Discharge (Days 5–10)

  • Your medical team will teach you about medications, signs of rejection, and infection prevention.

  • You’ll learn how to care for your surgical wound.

  • Doctors will confirm that your new kidney is functioning properly before discharge.

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Hareesha Babu K, Nephrologist

Dr. Hareesha Babu K

Nephrologist

25 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology),FASN, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP (Edin)

Bangalore

Kidney & Hypertension Care, Bangalore

1000

1000

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra, Nephrologist

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra

Nephrologist

10 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (NEPHORLOGY)

Jaipur

Dr Dogras Health Clinic, Jaipur

1875

300

Common Concerns After a Kidney Transplant

Some of the common concerns after a kidney transplant are as follows:

1. Pain and Discomfort

  • Mild pain around the incision is normal and managed with prescribed painkillers.

  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 6–8 weeks.

2. Risk of Infection

  • Immunosuppressants weaken your immune system, making infections a concern.

  • Wash hands frequently, avoid crowded places, and stay away from sick people.

3. Signs of Rejection

  • Fever, decreased urine output, swelling, or pain near the new kidney could indicate rejection.

  • Contact your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery at Home

Some of the tips for a smooth recovery at home are:

1. Take Medications on Time: Missing doses of immunosuppressants can lead to rejection. Set reminders if needed.

2. Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Eat low-sodium, low-sugar, and balanced meals to support kidney health. Stay hydrated unless advised otherwise.

3. Stay Active (But Don’t Overdo It): Light walking helps recovery, but avoid heavy exercise until cleared by your doctor.

4. Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups ensure your kidney is functioning well and medications are adjusted if needed.

When to Seek Immediate Help?

Call your transplant team if you experience:

  • High fever or chills

  • Severe pain near the transplant site

  • Sudden swelling or reduced urine output

  • Unusual fatigue or dizziness

Conclusion

A kidney transplant is a major surgery, but with proper care, most patients recover well and enjoy a better quality of life. Your hospital stay is a critical phase where doctors ensure your new kidney is working correctly and prepare you for a healthy life post-transplant.

If you have any concerns or need expert advice, Apollo 24|7 offers consultations with top nephrologists and transplant specialists. You can book an appointment or schedule follow-up tests easily through our platform.

Consult Top Nephrologist

Dr. Hareesha Babu K, Nephrologist

Dr. Hareesha Babu K

Nephrologist

25 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology),FASN, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP (Edin)

Bangalore

Kidney & Hypertension Care, Bangalore

1000

1000

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra, Nephrologist

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra

Nephrologist

10 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (NEPHORLOGY)

Jaipur

Dr Dogras Health Clinic, Jaipur

1875

300

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Hareesha Babu K, Nephrologist

Dr. Hareesha Babu K

Nephrologist

25 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology),FASN, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP (Edin)

Bangalore

Kidney & Hypertension Care, Bangalore

1000

1000

Dr. S Bipin Kumar, Nephrologist

Dr. S Bipin Kumar

Nephrologist

13 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM, Nephrology

Rajamahendravaram

SG KIDNEY CARE, Rajamahendravaram

875

500

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra, Nephrologist

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra

Nephrologist

10 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (NEPHORLOGY)

Jaipur

Dr Dogras Health Clinic, Jaipur

1875

300

Dr Ravi Jangamani, Nephrologist

Dr Ravi Jangamani

Nephrologist

16 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB Nephrology

Bengaluru

Sushreya Skin and Kidney Clinic, Bengaluru

700

No Booking Fees

Dr Sahil Bagai, Nephrologist

Dr Sahil Bagai

Nephrologist

15 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Nephrology

Gurugram

Nephcare clinic, Gurugram

recommendation

98%

(50+ Patients)

1000

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Nephrologist

Dr. Hareesha Babu K, Nephrologist

Dr. Hareesha Babu K

Nephrologist

25 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology),FASN, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP (Edin)

Bangalore

Kidney & Hypertension Care, Bangalore

1000

1000

Dr. S Bipin Kumar, Nephrologist

Dr. S Bipin Kumar

Nephrologist

13 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM, Nephrology

Rajamahendravaram

SG KIDNEY CARE, Rajamahendravaram

875

500

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra, Nephrologist

Dr. Luvdeep Dogra

Nephrologist

10 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (NEPHORLOGY)

Jaipur

Dr Dogras Health Clinic, Jaipur

1875

300

Dr Ravi Jangamani, Nephrologist

Dr Ravi Jangamani

Nephrologist

16 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB Nephrology

Bengaluru

Sushreya Skin and Kidney Clinic, Bengaluru

700

No Booking Fees

Dr Sahil Bagai, Nephrologist

Dr Sahil Bagai

Nephrologist

15 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Nephrology

Gurugram

Nephcare clinic, Gurugram

recommendation

98%

(50+ Patients)

1000

No Booking Fees

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