Kidney Transplant Sugery

Human kidney failure is treated via kidney transplantation, often known as a renal transplant. Patients who need dialysis treatment have their kidneys removed. It is a mechanism that, since the kidneys are unable to do it, removes waste from the blood manually.

Kidney transplants are lifesaving procedures that replace a failing kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor. 

Risks and Benefits of Kidney Transplant

Benefits of a Kidney Transplant:

• Improved Quality of Life: Through a successful kidney transplant patient feel stronger and have more energy for daily activities. A successful kidney transplant brings fewer health limits and better well being.
• No More Dialysis: After a successful transplant, most people can stop to go for dialysis, which saves time and reduces discomfort since dialysis often requires hours of treatment each week.
• Longer Life Expectancy: Compared to staying on long-term dialysis, kidney transplants generally offer a better chance of living longer, as they restore kidney function closer to normal.
• Better Physical Health: A functioning kidney helps regulate blood pressure, clear waste from the body, and balance essential nutrients, leading to better overall health.
• Freedom with Diet: Unlike dialysis patients who often need strict diets, people with a new kidney usually have fewer dietary restrictions, which makes daily life easier.

Risks of a Kidney Transplant:

• Risk of Rejection: The body may see the new kidney as strange and try to reject it. Anti-rejection medications are given to prevent this, but rejection can still occur in some cases.
• Infection Risk: Sometimes anti-rejection medications weaken the immune system, there is a higher chance of infections. Patients must be careful and may need extra vaccinations or medicines to prevent infections.
• Side Effects from Medications: The medications taken to prevent rejection can cause side effects, including weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, or bone thinning. Regular monitoring helps manage these effects.
• Surgical Complications: Like any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, blood clots, or infection around the surgical area. These risks are typically low but still possible.
• Risk of Kidney Failure: Sometimes, the transplanted kidney may not work as expected or may fail over time, leading to the need for dialysis or another transplant.

A kidney transplant involves several important steps to make sure the new kidney works well in the body. Here’s a simple breakdown of the procedure:

Before the Transplant

• Evaluations and Tests: Patient goes for tests to ensure the body is ready for the transplant and to check compatibility with potential donors. Tests often include blood circulation, heart and lung tests, and other exams to confirm the patient is in good health.
• Finding a Donor: A matching kidney can come from a living donor (a relative or friend) or a deceased donor. Matching helps reduce the risk of rejection and increases the success of the transplant.
• Preparation: Once a kidney is available, the patient gets a call for surgery. You may need to stop eating and drinking a few hours before the procedure.

During the Transplant

• Anesthesia: Patiet receives general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen and places the new kidney there. The damaged kidneys are usually left in place unless they cause complications. The new kidney’s blood vessels are connected to yours, allowing blood to flow through it. The ureter, which connects the kidney to the bladder, is also attached.
• Surgery Duration: The operation typically takes 3-4 hours.

After the Transplant

• Recovery in Hospital: Patient stays in the hospital for a few days after their surgery. Nurses and doctors will monitor patients progress to ensure the new kidney is working in the patient's body. Patients also learn how to take care of themselves post-surgery.
• Medications: To prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney, you’ll start taking immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) medications. These are lifelong medications, as they help the patient's body accept the new kidney.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups are necessary after the transplant. These visits allow doctors to check patients health, make sure the kidney is functioning well, and adjust medications if needed.