All About Kidney transplant

 

Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant is a life-saving surgical procedure to replace an injured/non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from the donor. It is performed to treat end-stage renal disease or chronic kidney disease to make the patient live longer and feel better.

 

What Is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplantation is performed when kidneys can’t remove or filter waste,

fluids or minerals from the blood by producing urine. Be its deceased donor transplant or transplantation from a live donor, we have trained healthcare professionals to make sure the best outcomes from the transplant.

 

You may be recommended for kidney transplant surgery for numerous reasons such as

• An end-stage kidney disease
• Severe chronic kidney disease
• Recurrent kidney disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Congenital kidney disorders
• Other medical conditions like vasculitis or lupus

 

Who Is Eligible for a Kidney Transplant?

 

We highly recommend a kidney transplant for all those patients who

 

• Have permanently/severe kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
• Are free from any substance abuse
• Are mentally and emotionally fit
• Have a compatible donor
• Have a strong network system
• Are medically fit for procedure

 

What Does the Kidney Transplant Procedure Involve?

 

The process of a kidney transplant involves numerous steps ranging from initial evaluation to long-term care. Each step is crucial to achieve the best outcome. Below are some kidney transplant procedure steps:-

 

Evaluation

The procedure starts with your evaluation, including blood tests, heart evaluations, and imaging scans.

 

Find a donor

A compatible kidney will identify through tissue and blood type matching from a living/deceased donor. You can schedule the surgery in advance after matching your kidney transplant donor requirements.

 

During Surgery:

 

Anesthesia

We’ll administer general anesthesia before starting the kidney transplant process to keep you pain-free and unconscious.

 

Surgical Procedure

Our surgeons will access the kidney area by making an inclusion in the lower abdomen. We’ll place a new kidney – be it from deceased or living donor, in the lower abdomen and connect the ureter and blood vessels.

Monitoring

During the transplant, our team will check your vitals to make sure everything is going smooth. The entire procedure typically takes around 3 to 4 hrs.

 

Post Surgery

Once the surgery is done, we will shift you to a recovery area to monitor vital signs closely. Our medical team will initiate pain management and you’ll receive medications and fluids through the IV.

 

Hospital Stay

After surgery, you have to stay in the hospital from 3 to 7 days to monitor kidney function and manage medications.

 

What Are the Risks and Benefits of Kidney Transplantation?

A kidney transplant is performed to improve the life of patients with long-term kidney failure. It is the main surgical operation that involves both risks and benefits.

 

Risks of Kidney transplant

Some common kidney transplant complications are:

 

• Failure/rejection of the donated kidney
• Infection
• Blood clots and bleeding
• Cancer or an infection that can be passed from donated kidney
• Leakage from tube blockage that links the kidney to the ureter

 

Benefits of Kidney Transplant

After kidney transplant, you can have numerous benefits over dialysis that can improve your life quality and overall health.

 

• No need of dialysis
• Live longer with increased life expectancy
• Restore normal body functions
• Get nutritional health as compared to those who are on dialysis
• Eliminate time-consuming dialysis sessions

How Is Life After a Kidney Transplant?

 

Once kidney transplantation is performed, you have to build healthy habits such as maintain a healthy diet, take medications as prescribed, exercise regularly and avoid smoking and alcohol. You need to visit hospital for regular follow-ups to track your kidney function and recovery.

 

FAQs

 

What is the life expectancy after kidney transplant?

After kidney transplant, the life expectancy can vary. But the average life-span from a living donor is 15 to 20 years whilst in the case of deceased donor, it lasts around 8 to 12 years.

 

Is Kidney transplant safe?

When comparing to long-term dialysis, it is considered as safe and effective. You can lead a quality of life with more energy, fewer dietary restrictions and freedom from dialysis.

 

How long is the waiting time for a kidney transplant?

The waiting for a kidney transplant on an average is around 3 to 5 years.

 

Can a family member donate a kidney?

Yes!! The living donor can be from close relatives and friends, including father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter.

 

What lifestyle changes are required after a kidney transplant?

After the surgery, you need to make numerous changes in your lifestyle like a balanced diet, strict medication schedule, avoid certain foods, stay yourself hydrated and follow-up appointments.