Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment option for individuals with end-stage chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys have stopped functioning well enough to sustain life. During the transplant procedure, the donated kidney is placed in the recipient's body and connected to their blood vessels and bladder.

The recipient's original kidneys are usually left in place unless there are complications such as infection or severe enlargement. The donated kidney can come from a deceased person who has been declared brain dead or from a living donor (often a relative).

A good match between the donor's and recipient's tissues is crucial for the success of the transplant to minimize the risk of organ rejection. After surgery, the recipient needs to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent their immune system from attacking the new kidney.