A recent survey published in Transplantation Proceedings found kidney transplantation was more successful when the operation occurred during the day. The risk of premature failure of the transplanted kidney or further operations on the organ is more than twice as likely when the surgeries occur at night.
 
The reason may be the surgeon is more alert and focused during the day. With a complicated procedure such as a transplant, surgical skill is a critical factor for success. Currently, every third kidney transplant is performed at night.

This article originally appeared in the August 2008 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.