Transplanted Kidneys Have Limited Lifespans

On average, a transplanted kidney from a living donor functions for about 15 to 20 years, compared with 8 to 12 years for one from a deceased donor. Therefore, most recipients may need more than one transplant during their lifetime. Even a successful transplant does not cure kidney disease, so recipients must take anti-rejection medicine for as long as the donated kidney continues working.

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