Who might need a Kidney Transplant?

Individuals with End-stage Kidney Disease, often due to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, might require a kidney transplant when other treatments are no longer effective. A Kidney Transplant may also be required to treat other medical conditions, such as congenital Kidney abnormalities. Candidates undergo extensive evaluations to determine their suitability for the procedure.

A comprehensive medical and psychological examination is conducted at a Transplant centre for each individual under consideration for a Transplant to ensure eligibility. The check-up assists in identifying any problems so that, prior to Transplant, they may be addressed. The patient has to be sufficiently healthy to undergo the procedure. They also need to be clear of infections and cancer.

Kidney Transplant Procedure Details

Requirements Before the Procedure

Recipients of Kidney Transplants must meet the specific requirements set by each hospital. However, applicants have to generally have the following:

• End-stage Renal Disease and requires Dialysis.
• When Chronic Renal Disease is in its late stages, almost to the point of Dialysis requirement.
• A thorough comprehension of the follow-up instructions and guidelines.
• A minimum 5-year life expectancy.

The Pre-transplant evaluation includes:

• Blood tests: Testing your blood type increases the likelihood that the donated Organ will be accepted, helps connect you with a suitable match, and determines your priority on the donor list.
• Diagnostic tests: The patient may undergo diagnostic testing to assess their general health state in addition to their Kidneys. Dental tests, Kidney biopsies, Ultrasounds, and X-rays are a few examples of these tests. Women may have Mammography, Pap test, and Gynaecological examination.
• Mental health evaluation: The psychological and social aspects of Organ Transplantation, including financial strain, support from family and/or close friends, and stress, are evaluated. These problems may have a significant impact on a Transplant's outcome.

During the Kidney Transplant

A healthy Kidney is implanted into your body during a Kidney Transplant so that it may take over all the tasks that a failing Kidney cannot. During a Kidney Transplant, the recipient is put under general anaesthesia. The surgeon places the new Kidney in the lower abdomen and connects its blood vessels and ureter to the recipient's blood vessels and bladder. The patient's vein and artery are joined to the vein and artery of the replacement Kidney. This surgical process can take several hours, and the recovery period varies from person to person.

Post-Transplant Recovery 

After a Kidney Transplant, the patients have to stay in the hospital for around three to four days, in most cases. Post-transplant, recipients need to take immunosuppressant drugs for life to prevent rejection. Regular check-ups, monitoring of Kidney function, and a strict regimen of medications are essential to maintain the health and functionality of the transplanted Organ. Physical rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments are also crucial parts of recovery. The recovery period following a Kidney Transplant usually lasts six weeks. Everybody's timeframe is unique, though. It is contingent upon several elements as well as their general state of health.

Risk of Kidney Transplant

The hazards to one's health that come with a Kidney Transplant include those that are directly related to surgery and Organ rejection. 

• Organ Rejection: The recipient's immune system may identify the transplanted Kidney as foreign, leading to Organ rejection. Immunosuppressant medications are crucial to prevent this instance.
• Surgical Complications: As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, and complications related to anaesthesia during the Transplant procedure.
• Infection: Patients are at an increased risk of infections due to a weakened immune system, both immediately after the surgery and in the long term due to immunosuppressant medications.
• Side Effects of Medication: The long-term use of immunosuppressants can result in side effects such as increased susceptibility to Infections, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and bone thinning.

Benefits of Kidney Transplant

Kidney Transplants offer numerous benefits:

• Elimination of Dialysis: Transplantation eliminates the need for regular Dialysis sessions, which can be time-consuming, physically taxing, and restrictive in terms of lifestyle and diet.
• Less Restrictive Diet: Post-transplant, patients often have fewer dietary restrictions than those on Dialysis.
• Increased Energy and Vitality: Recipients often report increased energy levels, better mental health, and an improved sense of well-being after a successful Transplant.
• Improved Health: Compared to continuing on dialysis, recipients of functional Kidney Transplants often enjoy greater general health, a lower risk of complications from Kidney Failure, and a longer lifespan.