Kidney Transplant

What is Kidney Transplant Surgery?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is transplanted into a person with kidney failure or end-stage renal disease. It is a treatment option for individuals whose kidneys have lost the ability to function effectively and require dialysis or other forms of kidney replacement therapy.

benefits of kidney transplant;

• Freedom from Dialysis: Kidney transplant eliminates the need for regular dialysis sessions, which can be time-consuming, restrictive, and physically draining. Transplant recipients regain their independence and can resume a more normal lifestyle.

• Better Long-Term Outcomes: Transplanted kidneys tend to function better and have a longer lifespan than kidneys undergoing dialysis. This results in improved overall health and fewer complications in the long run.

• Dietary Freedom: Patients undergoing dialysis often have to adhere to strict dietary restrictions. After a successful kidney transplant, individuals can enjoy a more flexible and varied diet, enhancing their dining experience and nutritional intake.

• Resolution of Underlying Conditions: Kidney transplants can offer relief from the underlying causes of kidney failure, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases. Treating the root cause can prevent further damage to other organs and improve overall health.

What are the top 5 Transplant Surgery hospitals in India?

• Manipal Hospitals

• Max Hospital

• Apollo Hospital

• Fortis Hospital

• Artemis Hospital

Pre-Transplant

• • Evaluation: The patient undergoes a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess their overall health, kidney function, and eligibility for a kidney transplant.

  • Donor Selection: The patient can receive a kidney from a living donor (usually a close family member or friend) or a deceased donor. If a living donor is available and matches the patient's blood and tissue type, a direct kidney donation can occur. Otherwise, the patient is placed on a waiting list for a deceased donor kidney from a national transplant registry.

  • Transplant Team: A specialized team of transplant nephrologists, transplant surgeons, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals work together to manage the patient's care and prepare for the transplant.

Transplant Procedure

• • Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.

  • Donor Kidney Retrieval: In the case of a living donor, the donor undergoes a surgical procedure to remove one kidney for transplantation into the recipient. In the case of a deceased donor, the kidney is retrieved after obtaining consent for organ donation.

  • Implantation: The healthy kidney is surgically implanted into the recipient's lower abdomen. The blood vessels of the donor kidney are attached to the recipient's blood vessels, and the ureter (tube that carries urine) is connected to the recipient's bladder.

Post-Transplant

• • Recovery: After the transplant, the patient is closely monitored in the hospital to ensure that the transplanted kidney is functioning properly.

  • Immunosuppression: To prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney, the patient receives immunosuppressive medications. These medications suppress the immune system to reduce the risk of rejection but also increase the risk of infections.

  • Hospital Stay: The length of hospital stay varies depending on the patient's condition and the success of the transplant.