Kidney Transplant Surgery In India

A Kidney transplant is a surgery carried out to transplant a healthy kidney to take over the work of one of the two kidneys whose function has declined to a certain level and in most cases, where the kidneys have totally failed to work.The reason for kidney failure is when the patient possesses End-stage renal disease (ERSD) which cannot be treated with drugs (which is the conventional method of treatment). Dialysis and kidney transplant are the only treatments for this condition. The frequency of an end-stage renal disease worldwide has tripled in the last 20 years. To make it worse, every year, the numbers of people having the end-stage renal ailment somewhat outweigh the kidney transplant donors. Thus, the waiting list continues to grow.

What happens during a Kidney Transplant?

The kidney transplant surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and the surgery usually takes 2-4 hours to finish. During a kidney transplant, the surgeon places the new kidney in the patient's lower abdomen. The artery and veins of the new kidney are connected to the patient's artery and veins. As soon as your blood starts flowing through it, the new kidney starts passing urine. However, this could take a few weeks in order for the new kidney to restore its functions in a new body. The recovery time is usually 7-10 days post day the surgery.
NOTE: The original kidneys are not usually removed post the kidney transplant until and unless they cause severe health problems such as severe high blood pressure, kidney infections or kidney enlargement.

Functions of Kidney

The kidney serves some of the most important functions accountable for the survival of any ordinary human being. If the kidney fails to work, the chances of livelihood of the person drop drastically, which could lead to a patient's death. The vital functions that the human kidney serves are :
•    Filtration of wastes from the bloodstream.
•    Maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body.
•    Regulation of blood pressure by releasing several hormones.
•    Removal of chemical toxins from the body.
•    Eliminating excess water from the body in form of urine.
•    Stimulation of production of red blood cells by releasing the hormone erythropoietin.

Common Causes of End-Stage Renal Disease

There are various conditions that can lead to End-Stage Renal Disease, the primary ones being :
•    Diabetes mellitus ( Type I or II)
•    High blood pressure
•    Glomerulonephritis
•    Polycystic Kidney Disease
•    Severe anatomical problems of the urinary tract
•    Liver disease or Liver failure.
•    Sickle Cell Anemia 
•    Heart Disease or Heart Attack

Signs and Symptoms of End-Stage Renal Disease

The signs and symptoms of the end-stage renal disease may vary widely, owing to the severity of the patient's medical condition. Here are some of the most common symptoms to identify with End Stage Renal Disease :
•    Early, mild symptoms are hardly visible sometimes because of the kidney somehow compensates for the mild impairment or attack on its function.
•    Fluid Retention: Swelling, Puffiness of arms and legs.
•    Shortness of breath as a result of fluid collection is lungs (the condition is called pulmonary edema)
•    Sometimes, fluid dehydration/deficiency can also cause kidney failure.
•    Thirst, Rapid Heart Rate.

Kidney Transplant Donor

Kidney Transplant donors play the frontmost role in the entire kidney transplant process. The entire kidney transplant surgery is subject to the quality of the kidney received by a donor that will be transplanted in the patient's body to replace the failed kidney.
Kidney transplant donors can be of two types:
•    Living Donor: This could include the patient's family members, including brothers, sisters, parents, children (only above 18 years), cousins, or a spouse or close friend may wish to donate a kidney. That person is called a "living donor."
However, the living Kidney transplant donor needs to meet a certain medical health bar in order to qualify for kidney donation. A living donor ideally should have excellent health, good information about kidney transplant surgery, and the ability to give informed consent.
•    Deceased Donor: A deceased donor is the one who had volunteered to donate his/her kidney before dying a Brain Death. Certain kidney organizations conduct kidney donation at the time of death that could be used for a kidney transplant and also permit families to take such decisions. After permission for donation is granted, the kidneys are removed and stored until a recipient has been selected.

Post Kidney Transplant Surgery

Kidney Transplant surgery is one of the most delicate surgeries pertaining to the human body. After the kidney transplant, intensive care needs to be taken for the new kidney to function in full order. Post Kidney Transplant surgery, the patient would be expected to:
•    Spend some days (or even weeks) to be under the Doctor's supervision
•    Have frequent medical check-ups done during the recovery time
•    Stick to concerned medication throughout life

Kidney Transplant Risks and Complications

Complications can occur with any surgery. The following complications post a kidney transplant surgery does not generally occur but may include:
•    Bleeding, infection, or wound healing problems.
•    Minor leakage from the tube (ureter) that links the kidney to the bladder
•    The flow of urine from the kidney.

Kidney Transplant Surgery in India

The medical proficiency of Transplant Surgeons in India is almost second to none. The amenities at the Super Speciality Hospitals in India are highly acclaimed by patients worldwide. In India, almost every super speciality hospital performs kidney transplant surgery.

Recommended doctors for Kidney Transplant Surgery in India

CureIndia helps you choose the right doctor for your medical treatment. Most of the doctors in our associated hospitals
have been internationally trained and are active members of many international medical councils and associations.
Let's hear from some of the most reputed dcotor's for Kidney Transplant Surgery in India.