Kidney Transplant
Kidney Transplant
Kidney Transplant: Tests, Procedure, and Advantages
The kidneys are very adaptable organs. Only 15% of kidney function is enough for many people to live healthily. But when the kidneys fail, it is difficult for them to continue filtering the waste products from the blood and produce urine. When the concentration of waste products in the blood becomes high, we fall sick. Kidney failure can be divided into two types: acute and chronic kidney failure. In acute kidney failure, the kidneys do not work for some time, and then they recover. In chronic kidney failure, the kidneys become damaged to the point where it is difficult to heal them with medication.
The kidney transplant
A kidney transplant is done when the kidneys no longer work. It involves replacing the old kidney of a person with a healthy kidney. The transplanted kidney performs all of the same functions as the patient's kidneys. A kidney transplant helps patients lead a more normal life than they would with dialysis. Patients with well-functioning transplants have a stronger feeling of well-being and may live a more active lifestyle without relying on dialysis therapy to maintain their health. They must, however, constantly continue with their transplant medicine therapy in order to avoid rejection of the transplanted kidney from occurring.
Tests
The following tests are required to be performed before a kidney transplant can be done:
- Blood test: A simple blood type test is performed to establish whether or not the donor and receiver are likely to be a good match for each other. If the donor's blood and tissues match and he or she agrees to undertake the procedure, he or she will be subjected to a further in-depth medical examination.
- Radiology and kidney function tests: They are used to establish whether or not the donor's kidneys and urine system are in excellent condition before the transplant is performed. If it is discovered that the donor has any health difficulties, the transplant will not be carried out.
The donor and receiver should have blood groups that are comparable, or the donor should have the O+ blood type. A kidney from any donor may be given to an AB+ recipient. ABO Incompatible transplantation may be considered in the event that the donor and recipient do not have matching blood groups. Incompatible blood groups may also be resolved by swap transplantation or matched donation.
The Kidney Transplant Procedure
It is determined when the operation will take place once all of the comprehensive testing has been done and both the donor and the recipient have been deemed healthy. In order for the family to comprehend that by doing the transplant, the transplant team is taking on a significant responsibility and being very cautious, in the event that they are dissatisfied with any of the results, they may be forced to postpone the transplant, which is done in the patient's best interests overall. Kidney transplant surgery takes place in the operating room at the same time as the donor. Donors will experience some pain and suffering after having their kidneys removed for transplantation since it is a major procedure. Typically, he or she is admitted to the hospital for five days after the procedure. After the two kidneys are removed, the donor's remaining kidney seamlessly takes up their functions, growing in size to accommodate the extra burden. In order to avoid any chest issues, breathing exercises should be performed before and after the procedure since the incision is near the ribs and chest wall. Immediately after the procedure, the donor and receiver are not kept together since the recipient needs nursing care in an infection-free environment.
Advantages of Kidney Transplant
There are many advantages of kidney transplantation, and some of them are noted below:
- The most significant benefit of a successful transplant is the ability to move about freely. There is a sense of relief from the repetitive and uncomfortable dialysis.
- The limitation on ingesting water and fluids that is needed for dialysis is no longer necessary.
- Dietary restrictions are no longer in effect.
- It's conceivable for the patient to have a relaxing vacation without feeling stressed, then return to their regular lives, and eventually become capable of having children.
- For males, their sexual potency has returned, and they may resume their usual sexual lives.
- People who have had successful transplants report feeling healthier since anaemia, bone disease, and chronic fatigue are no longer present.
- While on dialysis, it may not be feasible to work full-time, but it is conceivable following a kidney transplant.
A kidney transplant is a great solution for those battling with various kidney diseases or those who have damaged kidneys due to the impact of an accident. A kidney from a family member is preferred due to the high odds of it working well in the new body. Kidney transplantation is a safe procedure when performed by experts in kidney transplantation. Therefore, a good hospital with adequate staff and well-trained doctors, along with all the required instruments and machines, should be chosen to get a kidney transplant done.
FAQs
Yes, it is possible to live a normal life after a kidney transplant.
No, donating a kidney does not decrease the lifespan of the donor individual.
A person can donate his/her kidney only after he or she is 18 years old and is in good physical and mental health.
If you are not in good health, you cannot donate your kidney.
As of now, people with end-stage kidney failure who are fit to undergo kidney transplantation are 45 to 65 years old.
After the transplant, one can experience pain and soreness near the site where the incision was created. However, the pain is manageable with the help of prescribed medication.
It generally takes 3 to 5 hours, plus time for observing the patient.
If complications arise after a kidney transplant, the hospital stay is usually 4-5 days.
9. The incision might be made at a site in the abdominal region.
Only in rare cases, a visit to the ICU is required after a kidney transplantation.