Overview
Kidney Transplant is a surgical procedure which involves the transplantation of a healthy kidney from a donor, either alive or deceased, into a patient whose kidneys have stopped functioning properly. People believe it is the most effective treatment for kidney disease that has progressed to end-stage. In contrast to dialysis, which filters blood artificially, a transplanted kidney can restore kidney function to a level nearly identical to normal. At this point, the donated kidney is positioned in the lower abdomen and connected to the recipient's blood vessels and bladder. It is common practice to leave the patient's damaged kidneys in place unless they are causing problems. Kidney transplantation, in contrast to long-term dialysis, significantly improves recipients' quality of life and grants them greater flexibility in their diets and lifestyles.
Why it’s Done
Individuals who are suffering from advanced kidney failure have the option of receiving a kidney transplant when dialysis is no longer the most effective long-term treatment option. It is recommended for individuals in good health who are suitable candidates for major surgery. Transplantation offers better survival rates, greater energy, fewer dietary restrictions, and overall better health than continuing dialysis. Additionally, transplantation helps patients feel better overall.
What to Expect
It is common practice for patients to undergo tests prior to receiving a transplant. These tests include imaging studies, blood tests, heart and lung tests, and tests to determine whether or not they are compatible with potential donors. As soon as a kidney that is suitable for transplantation becomes available, surgical procedures are immediately underway. Although the patient is under general anaesthesia, the procedure typically takes between three and four hours to complete. It is necessary to connect the recipient's blood vessels and ureter to the new kidney in order to ensure that urine can flow freely. The patients are under close observation in the hospital for a few days following the surgical procedure. Immunosuppressive medications are initiated immediately to prevent the new kidney from being rejected. By performing blood tests regularly, one can assess kidney function and detect early signs of rejection or infection.
Recovery & Outlook
Getting better typically takes a few weeks, and activities gradually return to normal after that. Immunosuppressive therapy is something that you will require for the rest of your life. If the patient continues to follow up and take their medication as directed, many transplanted kidneys continue to function normally for years. This significantly improves the patient's quality of life and increases their chances of living a long time compared to dialysis.