What is a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased or injured kidney with a healthy one from a donor, which can be either deceased or living. Family members or compatible individuals can donate a kidney, known as a living transplant, and live healthy lives with their remaining kidney. Typically, only one kidney is transplanted, though occasionally two kidneys from a deceased donor may be used. The patient’s diseased kidneys are usually left in place, and the new kidney is positioned in the lower abdomen at the front of the body.

Types of Kidney Transplants

A kidney from a living person, often a relative or close friend, is transplanted into the recipient. This type of transplant generally has better outcomes and can be planned in advance.

A kidney from a person who has recently died (cadaveric donor) is transplanted into the recipient. The wait time for this type of transplant can be longer due to the shortage of available organs.

This is a transplant that takes place before the recipient’s kidney function deteriorates to the point of requiring dialysis. It can be from either a living or deceased donor.

In cases where a living donor’s kidney is not a match for their intended recipient, they can participate in a paired exchange program where two or more donor-recipient pairs swap kidneys to find compatible matches.

This is an extension of the paired kidney exchange where multiple pairs are involved, creating a chain of transplants that maximizes the number of recipients who receive compatible kidneys.

Why Might I Need a Kidney Transplant?

You may need a kidney transplant if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a permanent condition where the kidneys fail to function effectively, often necessitating dialysis. Dialysis is a process that removes waste and other substances from the blood, but a transplant can offer a more permanent solution.

The kidneys perform essential functions such as

Conditions that can lead to ESRD include

Eligibility Criteria for Kidney Transplant

The patient must have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and be in generally good health, aside from kidney failure.

Blood type and tissue matching are essential to increase the likelihood of a successful transplant.

The patient must not have any active infections that could complicate surgery or recovery.

Must be free of active cancer, and those with a history of cancer must be in remission for 2-5 years.

The patient must demonstrate the ability and willingness to adhere to post-transplant medications and follow-up care.

Ensures the patient has mental and emotional stability, a support system, and understanding of the transplant process and its demands.

Why Choose Ace Hospital for Kidney Transplant Treatment?

Choose Ace Hospital for your kidney transplant journey, where expertise meets compassion. Our highly skilled team has successfully performed numerous kidney transplants, ensuring each patient receives the best possible care tailored to their unique needs. From pre-operative assessments to post-transplant care, we provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to maximize the success and longevity of your transplant. Our state-of-the-art facilities, combined with our commitment to patient well-being, make us a trusted partner in your path to a healthier life. Trust Ace Hospital for a smooth, safe, and successful kidney transplant experience.

Preparation for a Kidney Transplant

Comprehensive medical assessments determine overall health and transplant suitability, including blood tests for compatibility, imaging studies, and cardiac and dental exams.

Identifying a suitable donor involves matching blood types and tissues, and can include living donors, deceased donors, or participation in paired kidney exchange programs.

Patients may be placed on a national waiting list for a deceased donor kidney, where priority is based on factors like medical urgency, compatibility, and time spent on dialysis.

Involves updating vaccinations, undergoing psychosocial and nutritional assessments, reviewing medications, financial planning, legal preparations, and attending education sessions to understand the transplant process and lifestyle changes.

Kidney Transplant Procedure

The kidney transplant procedure begins with the patient receiving anesthesia. An incision is made in the lower abdomen, and the new kidney is placed into the pelvic area. The blood vessels and ureter are connected to ensure proper blood flow and urine production. The surgeon checks the kidney for proper function before closing the incision. The entire procedure typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on complexity and the patient’s overall health. Risks include blood clots, infections, bleeding, rejection of the new kidney, and complications from anesthesia, with long-term risks involving side effects from immunosuppressive medications and potential recurrence of the original kidney disease.

Post-Transplant Care

The patient must have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and be in generally good health, aside from kidney failure.

Blood type and tissue matching are essential to increase the likelihood of a successful transplant.

The patient must not have any active infections that could complicate surgery or recovery.

Must be free of active cancer, and those with a history of cancer must be in remission for 2-5 years.

The patient must demonstrate the ability and willingness to adhere to post-transplant medications and follow-up care.

Ensures the patient has mental and emotional stability, a support system, and understanding of the transplant process and its demands.

The patient must have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and be in generally good health, aside from kidney failure.

Blood type and tissue matching are essential to increase the likelihood of a successful transplant.

The patient must not have any active infections that could complicate surgery or recovery.

Must be free of active cancer, and those with a history of cancer must be in remission for 2-5 years.

The patient must demonstrate the ability and willingness to adhere to post-transplant medications and follow-up care.

Ensures the patient has mental and emotional stability, a support system, and understanding of the transplant process and its demands.

Risks and Complications

Living with a Kidney Transplant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly.

The kidney transplant surgery typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and the patient’s overall health.

Risks include rejection of the new kidney, infections, blood clots, bleeding, medication side effects, and potential recurrence of the original kidney disease.

A transplanted kidney can last many years, often 10 to 20 years or more, but this varies based on individual factors and how well the patient follows post-transplant care guidelines.

Eligibility is based on factors like end-stage renal disease (ESRD), overall health, compatibility with a donor, and the absence of serious infections or uncontrolled conditions.

Frequent follow-up appointments are necessary initially, often weekly, and then gradually less frequent, eventually becoming every few months.

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