A kidney transplant is a procedure where a new donor kidney is placed in your body. This is typically done to treat kidney failure or chronic kidney disease. Once attached, your new kidney will start to do the job of the failing kidney. The transplanted kidney is usually placed on either the lower right or left side of your abdomen. Each hospital has its own criteria for accepting people as kidney transplant recipients. But in general, candidates for kidney transplant should have: -End-stage renal failure and be on dialysis -Chronic kidney disease with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than or equal to 20 mL/min -A full understanding of postoperative instructions and care -Be in good overall physical and mental health with strong social support Kidney transplants are approved on a case-by-case basis. But there are some general factors that could make a person ineligible for a kidney transplant, such as: -A serious health condition -Certain infections -Cancer or history of cancer -Certain mental health conditions -Poor social support -A short life expectancy -History of noncompliance with medications and treatment No matter what your situation, your healthcare provider can determine whether a kidney transplant is a safe treatment option. How long a kidney transplant lasts can vary from person to person and be based on your overall health. In general, kidneys donated by a living person last longer than kidneys donated by a deceased person. On average, however, transplanted kidneys last approximately 10 years