After admission, the patient will have a thorough physical examination, including more blood work, a chest x-ray, and EKG, dialysis and, possibly, other tests.

Unfortunately, surgery must be postponed in some cases. The patient will be sent home again if:

• he has an infection or has developed any other medical problem that would interfere with surgery or recovery
• The donor kidney shows signs of deterioration or poor function

If surgery is postponed, the transplant team can help the patient through the disappointment. This is only a temporary setback, and the search for a new kidney will go on.