This clinical review looks at the process for selecting patients suitable for a renal transplant and the care of patients after renal transplantation, under the following headings:

• Who is eligible for a kidney transplant?

• How are donor kidneys sourced?

• What are the consequences of live kidney donation for the donor?

• How is a patient with renal disease prepared for transplant surgery?

• The renal transplant operation

• What are the potential short and medium term complications of renal transplantation?

• What are the long term outcomes for renal transplantation?

• What are the considerations for long term follow-up?