Kidney Transplant

Kidney Transplant


Best 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 Surgery?

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.

PRE TRANSPLANT WORK-UP FOR RECIPIENT

1) Blood Tests:

  • Blood typing and screening
  • CBC with ESR
  • KFT extended
  • LFT
  • Lipid profile
  • PSA( if applicable)
  • PT/APTT
  • FBS/PP
  • HbA1c
  • HbSAg
  • HIV
  • HCV
  • HCV RNA Qualitative
  • TSH,T3,T4
  • CMV IgG and IgM
  • X-ray Pelvis AP
  • CDC T & B cross matching
  • Flow cross match
  • HLA typing for organ transplant

2) Urine tests:

  • Urine r/m
  • Urine c/s

3) Radiology Tests:

  • ECG
  • 2D Echo/Dobutamin stress Echo (>40years)
  • Chest X-ray PA view
  • USG Whole abdomen/Pelvis
  • USG colour Doppler pelvic arteries and veins

4) Clearance for kidney transplant:

  • Gynecology clearance (if applicable)
  • Cardiology clearance
  • Psychiatric clearance
  • PAC Clearance
  • Blood Donation

What are the requirements for a kidney transplant surgery?

Patient requirements:

The patient needs to have a blood group compatible healthy kidney donor from family. In case they do not have blood group compatible donor, patient may need to undergo Plasmapheresis therapy before kidney transplant.

Donor requirements:

Donor should be between 18 to 65 years of age.

The donor and recipient will have to undergo detailed tests, which could take 4-5 days (depending on what is found on investigations), prior to transplantation.

Document requirements:

1) The embassy in Delhi will certify all the proofs of certificates and documents of relationship between the donor and the recipient. Transplantation can be done only after the government authorization committee approves the donor.

2) Documentary evidence of relationship e.g., relevant birth certificates and marriage certificate.

Documentary evidence of identity and residence of the proposed donor e.g. Passport or Driving License and Bank Account and family photograph depicting the proposed donor and the proposed recipient along with another near relative.

3) Donor's first relative should be available before the renal transplantation committee meeting to give consent.  In case the donor is married then the spouse has to be present as an attendant. In case the donor is unmarried then the father, mother, real brother or sister has to be present as an attendant.

4) Patient and the Donor should come on the Medical Visa.

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.

PRE TRANSPLANT WORK-UP FOR DONOR

1. Blood Tests:

  • Blood grouping
  • CBC with ESR
  • RFT extended
  • LFT
  • Lipid profile
  • PSA( if applicable)
  • PT/APTT
  • FBS/PP
  • HbA1c
  • HbSAg
  • HIV
  • HCV
  • CMV IgG and IgM
  • TSH,T3,T4
  • HLA Typing for organ transplant

2. Urine tests:

  • Urine r/m
  • Urine c/s
  • 24 hrs urine for creatinine/protein

3. Radiology Tests:

  • ECG
  • 2D Echo/Stress Echo(>40years)
  • Chest X-ray PA view
  • USG Whole abdomen/Pelvis
  • DTPA Renal scan
  • CT-Renal angiogram

4. Clearance for kidney transplant:

  • Gynecology clearance (if applicable)
  • Psychiatry clearance
  • Cardiology clearance
  • PAC Clearance
  • Blood Donation

Rcommended 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.

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

What is a “preemptive” or “early” transplant?

Getting a transplant before you need to start dialysis is called a preemptive transplant.  It allows you to avoid dialysis altogether.  Getting a transplant not long after kidneys fail (but with some time on dialysis) is referred to as an early transplant. Both have benefits.  Some research shows that a pre-emptive or early transplant, with little or no time spent on dialysis, can lead to better long-term health.  It may also allow you to keep working, save time and money, and have a better quality of life.

What if my body tries to reject the new kidney?

A rejection episode may not have any clear signs or symptoms. That is why it is so important to have regular blood tests to check how well your kidney is working. Things you might notice that can let you know you are having  rejection are fevers, decreased urine output, swelling, weight gain, and pain over your kidney. But even if a rejection episode happens, there are many ways to treat it so you do not lose your transplant.  Letting your transplant team know right away that you think you have symptoms of rejection is very important.

For most people, rejection can be stopped with special anti-rejection medicines. It’s very important to have regular checkups to see how well your kidney is working, and make sure you are not having rejection.

When can I return to work?

How soon you can return to work depends on your recovery, the kind of work you do, and your other medical conditions. In most cases the petient can return to work eight weeks or more after their transplant.  Your doctor will help you decide when you can go back to work.

Will my sex life be affected?

In case of a man:

Men who have had a kidney transplant have fathered healthy children, and women with kidney transplants have had successful pregnancies. It’s best to talk to your surgeon when considering having a child.

In case of a woman:

Women should avoid becoming pregnant too soon after a transplant.  It is advised for women to wait a year or more.  All pregnancies must be planned. Certain medications that can harm a developing baby must be stopped six weeks before trying to get pregnant. Birth control counseling may be helpful. It’s important to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Be sure to use protection during sexual activity.

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.

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

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.

How long does a kidney transplant live?

Patients with kidney illness have a very varied life expectancy influenced by factors such as age and overall health. If you haven't already, please bring this up with the medical staff taking care of you. The typical lifespan of a kidney transplanted from a live donor is 20–25 years, whereas that of a dead donor's kidney is just 15–20 years. This varies greatly from case to case and is also affected by many other medical factors. Please see your renal care team for advice on your kidney health.

Best 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. CureIndia is conntected with all the top hospitals accross India for affodable kidney transplant surgery. CureIndia provides exceptional medical assistance to the international as well as domestic patients and hence it is amongst the best healthcare companies in India.

Best country for kidney transplant

Besides the United States, India boasts the world's second-largest kidney transplant program. Nevertheless, no other nation can match the level of care provided here for the price. You'll find vast public and private hospitals serving people worldwide in this growing nation. India's hospitals have cutting-edge medical technology, cutting-edge medical equipment, and reliable infrastructure, allowing them to provide a wide variety of guaranteed, competitively-priced kidney transplant packages. These aid patients in getting the therapy they need promptly, which may avert potentially fatal consequences.

Many national and international bodies have recognized the high-quality care provided by India's kidney transplant centres and awarded them accreditation. Surgeons and urologists in India who specialize in kidney transplants have earned widespread acclaim and recognition for their work. Doctors in India are actively engaged in research and striving to find the finest and most novel kind of therapies to cure renal ailments, thanks to their years of experience treating patients from all over the world.

Tips after kidney transplant

Follow these steps to ensure the health of your newly transplanted kidney:

Healthy eating general, persons who have had a kidney transplant have minimal limits on what they may eat, while it is still vital to eat healthily. A heart-healthy diet is low in fat and salt and includes lots of water. Even with the best intentions, you may still be limited in what you may eat if you have diabetes or another health condition. An expert dietician may assist you in developing a food plan tailored to your needs.

Regular Medication Taken Each Day:

Taking many medicines regularly might require establishing new rituals to ensure you don't forget to take them. Talk to your transplant team if you struggle to take your medications as prescribed.

Treatment Appointments with a Medical Professional:

The success of your transplant depends on your careful attention to your general health. Checkups and tests may help direct your healthcare. Regular blood tests will be required to monitor the levels of immunosuppressive drugs and determine how well your kidney is functioning. And if any issues are detected, they may be treated more effectively since they were caught early.

What measures are taken to ensure that one is not rejected?

You will need to take medications to prevent rejection for the rest of your life if you want your transplanted kidney to remain healthy. People have varying responses to medications. There is a constant influx of new antirejection drugs onto the market. Your medical care team will modify your treatment plan to fit your specific requirements.

Several antirejection drugs are often administered at once. Your medication dosage may often shift in response to how you're doing on the treatment. Due to the suppressed immune system caused by antirejection drugs, infections are a real possibility. Finding a happy medium between being very sensitive to infection and being rejected is essential.

You will be more susceptible to herpes, respiratory viruses, and oral yeast infections. During the first several months following surgery, you should avoid large groups of people and anybody who may be infected.

Kidney Transplant FAQs

Does a kidney transplant patient need dialysis?

A kidney transplant may be performed without first requiring dialysis. Dialysis patients who get a transplant either before commencing the treatment or after a relatively short time on the treatment fare better than those who have been on the treatment for longer.

Which dialysis or kidney transplant is the better option?

Many persons with advanced chronic renal disease choose a kidney transplant over dialysis because it improves their quality of life and survival.

Does life return to normal after a kidney transplant?

After a kidney transplant, most patients can return to work in as little as 12 weeks. However, this is conditional on how well you heal and the nature of your job. If your employment involves a lot of physical labour, you may need more time to rest and recuperate than usual.

After receiving a kidney transplant, what shouldn't you do?

Additionally, high blood pressure is a symptom of being overweight. Find out more about alcohol's caloric content by reading here. After a kidney transplant, you should also abstain from illicit substances like cocaine and heroin since they might suddenly harm your new organ, raise your blood pressure, and have unpredictable interactions with your immunosuppressant treatments.

How long does a patient live after a kidney transplant?

Consequently, the typical life expectancy of a dialysis patient is five years. On the other side, individuals who undergo kidney transplantation often have a higher life expectancy than those who continue to receive dialysis treatment. On average, a kidney transplanted from a live donor will work for 12 to 20 years, but a kidney transplanted from a dead donor would function for 8 to 12 years.