The sooner the better if your relative is medically fit to undergo the operation.

Any patient with end stage kidney disease (patient with chronic kidney disease who is on dialysis) is eligible to be referred for a kidney transplant. A kidney transplant in general is a better option than dialysis for most patients and offers greater survival and a better quality of life. Patients who are not on dialysis but nearing dialysis (GFR<20) can be referred and listed for a kidney transplant. It is best to get transplanted as soon as possible with the least duration of dialysis because that offers the greatest benefit in terms of survival.

If you are on dialysis or close to dialysis, you should be referred for kidney transplant.