Preparation of the dialysis patient for transplantation.

Successful kidney transplantation improves the quality of life and prolongs the survival of uraemic patients compared to long-term dialysis treatment w1–3x. Nevertheless renal transplantation is plagued by several problems. To minimize the complications during the periand postoperative period careful evaluation of the recipient prior to transplantation is essential. In addition regular check ups are necessary while the patient is on the waiting list. It is useful to proceed according to a ‘shopping-list’ (Table 1) which specifies which examinations are required at what point in time.