During Your Child's Kidney Transplant Surgery

Kidney transplant surgery lasts between four and six hours.

During your child's kidney transplant, the surgeon will:

  • Find a good blood source for the kidney.
  • Attach the donated kidney to this blood source in your child's belly.

The surgeon will not remove your child's failing kidneys during the operation unless they're causing further problems.

Depending on your child's age and size, you may be able to feel the kidney in the belly.

Your surgeon might need to place the new kidney closer to the skin. If so, your child will wear a guard to against bumping or bruising the kidney.

If your child has a living kidney donor

If a living-donor supplies the kidney, the donor will have surgery at UPMC Montefiore. We'll transport the donor's kidney to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for your child's surgery.

Most living kidney donors can leave the hospital within a day or two.

Contact the Kidney Transplant Program at UPMC Children's

If you have questions, concerns, or unexpected needs about your child's kidney transplant, contact our team at 412-692-5182.