Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is an operation done to save the life of an individual with a failing kidney. It involves replacing the no longer functioning kidney with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. The surgery is typically performed on patients who have been evaluated and considered suitable candidates for transplantation and is carried out in a hospital setting.
There are three types of Kidney Transplant in Hyderabad: A deceased donor kidney transplant, a living donor kidney transplant, and a pre-emptive kidney transplant. A pre-emptive kidney transplant is when the patient receives a healthy kidney before the deterioration of the kidney function to its end stage of requiring dialysis.
Benefits of Kidney Transplant Surgery
- Kidney transplant surgery can enhance the quality of life for people with end-stage renal disease, allowing them to regain their health and the ability to enjoy daily activities
- Undergoing kidney transplantation often extends one’s lifespan when compared to long-term dialysis treatment. It also reduces the risk of complications associated with chronic kidney disease
- Transplantation eliminates the need for ongoing dialysis sessions, and make the patient free from time-consuming routine of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
- Transplant recipients can enjoy more diet options, with fewer dietary restrictions compared to dialysis patients
- Transplantation can improve cardiovascular health by addressing the underlying causes of heart-related issues associated with kidney disease, reducing the risk of heart disease and related problems
- In the long run, kidney transplant surgery is often more cost-effective than continuous dialysis.
Why Is It Done?
Kidneys work to filter the blood and remove minerals, wastes, and fluids from the blood by producing urine. In case, this normal functioning of the kidney gets impaired, harmful levels of wastes and fluids will build up within the body which can increase blood pressure and eventually cause kidney failure- end-stage renal disease.
A kidney transplant is a preferred treatment option for Kidney Failure Treatment in Hyderabad as compared to dialysis. It is done to treat chronic kidney disease. It offers the following benefits over dialysis:
- Lower death risk
- Improved life quality
- Increased stamina, strength, and energy
- Low cost of the overall treatment of kidney failure
- Fewer dietary restrictions or intake of unrestricted diet and fluids
- No anaemia.
Preparation For Kidney Transplant Surgery
Before a Kidney Transplant Surgery in Hyderabad, the patient needs to find the right donor. A kidney transplant team performs an evaluation process to find a healthy kidney. This evaluation consists of the patient, the patient’s family members, the transplant surgeon, the nephrologist, the transplant coordinator, the pharmacist, the social worker, and the dietician. The evaluation includes mental health evaluation, blood tests to find a donor match, and diagnostic tests to check on kidney health and overall health status. But, before this is done, the team weighs the facts noted by talking to the patient, reviewing the patient’s medical history, physically examining the patient, and performing certain tests to determine the patient’s eligibility for a kidney transplant.
For a living donor kidney transplant, the surgery is performed as planned and requires the patient to not eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours beforehand. In a cadaver organ transplant, the patient can start fasting after knowing a donor kidney is available. A sedative is provided to help the patient relax before the surgery.
Kidney Transplant Procedure
Generally, kidney transplant surgery involves the following steps:
- The patient is made to wear a hospital gown and have an IV line inserted in the arm or back of the hand.
- Then, Kidney Transplant Surgeon in Hyderabad places catheters in the wrist and neck to monitor heart health and blood pressure and even under the collarbone and the blood vessels in the groyne region.
- If the surgical site is too hairy, the doctor may shave the hair.
- Next, the doctor inserts a urinary catheter.
- The patient is asked to lie on his/her back on the operation table and provided with general anaesthesia to make him/her fall asleep.
- During the surgery, the patient breathes through a ventilator, and the vitals of the patient are all closely watched by an anesthesiologist.
- The skin of the surgical site is cleaned properly using an antiseptic.
- Then, Kidney Transplant Doctor in Hyderabad makes a long cut into the lower abdomen on one side and places the donor kidney into the belly. The left donor kidney is implanted on the right side and the right one on the left side for easy access to the ureter to connect with the bladder.
- The artery and vein of the donor's kidney are sutured to the external iliac artery and vein. At the suture lines, the flow of blood through these blood vessels is checked for bleeding.
- Next, the donor ureter is connected to the patient’s urinary bladder.
- Once all is done, the skin incision is closed with a suture or surgical staples.
- A drain tube may be inserted in the incision site to draw excess fluids and blood that might pool in the operation site and cause swelling.
- Lastly, sterile surgical dressings are applied.
For more details on kidney transplant treatment and donor in details, contact the experts at Arete Hospitals, best urology and kidney transplant hospital in Hyderabad.
Ideal Candidates For Kidney Transplant Surgery
If you are having end-stage renal disease, you can undergo a kidney transplant. However, you must not go for a kidney transplant, in the following cases:
- Old age
- Severe heart disease
- Active or recently treated cancer
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- A short life expectancy
- Recurring infection
- Poorly controlled mental illness including dementia
- Any other factor that can make the surgery unsafe or cause interactions/harmful effects if taking anti-rejection medications following a kidney transplant.
Generally, the recipients of Kidney Transplant in Hyderabad should meet the following requirements:
- Being suffering from end-stage kidney failure and on dialysis
- Being suffering from late-stage chronic renal disease and approaching the need for dialysis
- Having a life expectancy of at least 5 years
- Having a compatible blood type with the donor and being in good health
- A complete understanding and commitment to following post-surgical instructions and care
Recovery and Aftercare
The timeline of the recovery period of a kidney transplant differs for every patient, based on their overall health and other factors. On average, the recovery time is about 6 weeks.
During recovery, the patient is recommended to follow the doctor’s post-surgical instructions, including:
- Avoiding heavy weight lifting and strenuous physical activities for at least 6-8 weeks. Any objects weighing above 20 pounds must not be lifted for at least 2-3 months and nothing heavier than 40 pounds must be lifted for 4-6 months from the date of operation.
- Do not drive for at least six weeks.
- After healing of incisions, start regular exercises. Begin with stretching exercises and walking and then gradually shift to strength-regaining exercises such as jogging, bicycling, swimming, tennis, and aerobics.
- Avoid playing contact sports as they might cause injury to the operated site.
Potential Problems and Complications of Kidney Transplant
The transplanted kidney may not begin to work immediately and so the patient would need dialysis to allow normal kidney functions to take place. Just as the risks of other pelvic surgeries, kidney transplant procedure may lead to:
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Hernia
- Infection, especially in the bladder
- Pain or numbness along the inner thigh that usually resolves without treatment
- Side effects of taking immunosuppressants (anti-rejection medications) such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, bone thinning or damage, and excessive hair growth/loss
- Rejection or failure of the donated kidney after a few days or weeks of transplant (rare)
- Death, stroke, and heart attack
- Cancer or infection passed from the donor's kidney
- Blockage or leakage from the ureter.
Cost of Kidney Transplantation in Hyderabad
The Cost of Kidney Transplant in Hyderabad can vary depending on several factors, including the hospital, surgeon's fees, donor-related expenses, post-operative care, and the patient's overall health condition.
Contact Arete Hospitals, Kidney Transplantation Hospital in Hyderabad for more details.
1. What food should I eat or avoid after having a kidney transplant?
Food choices are more following a kidney transplant than in the case of dialysis. After a kidney transplant, you need to follow the eating plan provided by your dietician. When it comes to what to eat and avoid, here are a few tips like eat a well-balanced diet, especially more proteins, avoid having grapefruit and grapefruit juice, avoid eating raw or undercooked foods, drink plenty of water daily to keep your body hydrated and limit caffeine intake, and avoid taking NSAIDs and certain vitamin/herbal supplements that could interact with transplant medications.
2. What is the best age to get a kidney transplant?
Most successful kidney transplant recipients belong to the age group 45 to 65. There is no upper age limit to undergo a kidney transplant surgery, however, patients aged above 65 years are usually not advised for a kidney transplant because of potential risks and complications. To ensure successful kidney transplantation, the doctor searches for a donor close to the age of the patient.
3. How long is a kidney transplant surgery?
Kidney transplant surgery can be expected to last for 2-3 hours.
4. How long can I live after getting a kidney transplant?
On an average, the donated kidney can last for approximately a decade. In case, the donor kidney is from a living person, it lasts longer than a kidney transplanted from a deceased person.
Arete Hospitals is known for offering best kidney transplant surgery in Hyderabad, along with treatment for a comprehensive range of kidney disease treatments and state-of-the-art medical facilities. They have experienced specialists who can provide personalised care. On the other hand, kidney transplant is advantageous for end-stage renal disease patients as it can offer a chance at a better quality of life and improved long-term outcomes. For more details, book an appointment today.
