Can a person have multiple kidney transplants in their life?

Yes: The number of kidney transplants a person can have is virtually unthelimited-however the supply of kidneys available to be placed in a transplant recipient is extremely limited. Once it is determined that family members are not able to donate then patients are put on a transplant waiting list. When you receive a kidney, then require another transplant you are placed at bottom of waiting list.

Yes: The usual reason for a second transplant is rejection of the initial one. This is less and less common, as anti-rejection meds are more effective, but it can still occur.

Harder with each one: Although exceptions occur and the patient's underlying health also alters outcomes, the avg live donor kidney txp lasts 15-17 years, and the avg deceased donor kidney txp lasts 10-12 years. It is common for a pt with good health habits to outlive the kidney txp and seek another. If the pt has made antibodies to a prior donor, matching is harder. As many as 5 txps in 1 pt have been done.

Yes: There are many people who receive their second kidney transplants during their lifetime. I am aware of a couple of patients who received a total of four renal transplants in their lifetimes.