@hello1234 It is a major surgery, no doubt. Depending on the situation, an open surgery is usually best after a transplant, since a laproscopic surgery ends up being more time under anesthesia, something they will try to avoid if they can. Kidneys with cysts can be more complex, since they need to be sure to get the vessels and all severed correctly - not a clear shot to see. Her team will make hospital length stay decision based on her individual case.

I know one young man whose dr wanted him to go through a bilateral nephrectomy before transplant, then go on dialysis. He rejected that idea, and suffered for a couple more years with dialysis before finding a donor.

I face a right kidney nephrectomy if the tumor there raises its head and size. The surgeon told me it will spin me right in to dialysis, since my one remaining native kidney will not handle the job. We are hoping to not go there in the near future!

Any further concerns or questions, ask away! I want to hear a great outcome to your friend's story. We can only do everything on our part to remain COVID-free.
Ginger