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Agree toTerms and ConditionsRenal transplant surgery, also known as a kidney transplant, is a medical operation done to place a healthy kidney from a live or a deceased donor into the body of a person whose kidneys are no longer functioning well. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs present on each side of the spine just below the rib cage. Each kidney is about the size of a fist. Their main function is to filter and remove waste, minerals, and fluid from the blood via urine. When your kidneys lose this ability to filter out waste, harmful levels of fluid and waste get accumulated in your body. This can raise your blood pressure level and cause kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease). End-stage renal disease develops when the kidneys have already lost about 90% of their functioning ability. Some common causes of end-stage kidney disease include:
Diabetes
Chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure
Chronic glomerulonephritis
Polycystic kidney disease
A kidney transplant from a live donor often provides the best outcomes for patients. The donor might be a family member, friend, or even a stranger, and they must be in excellent health and have a compatible blood type.
In this procedure, a kidney from a deceased individual is transplanted. The deceased donor might be a victim of an accident or head injury. The organ donor's blood type and tissue type should be compatible with the recipients to reduce the likelihood of transplant rejection.
In some cases, a kidney transplant may happen before a patient starts dialysis. This is called a preemptive kidney transplant. If you have been diagnosed with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure, a preemptive transplant may be an option for you.
In a paired donation, a donor and recipient who are incompatible with each other swap kidneys with another donor and recipient pair who are also incompatible. The swap makes it possible for both recipients to get a kidney with compatible blood and tissue types. Each type of kidney transplant offers benefits, and the choice of which type is best should be made after discussion with the transplant team.
A renal transplant surgery is often required when a patient's kidneys can no longer function effectively on their own. End-stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as stage 5 kidney disease, is the most common reason for needing a kidney transplant.
ESRD can result from a variety of conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and polycystic kidney disease. When these conditions damage the kidneys beyond repair, a transplant may be the best treatment option.
It's important to note that not everyone with kidney disease will need a transplant. Some people can remain healthy with lifestyle changes, medication, or dialysis. However, for those with severe kidney disease, a transplant can considerably improve their quality of life and increase their lifespan.
Renal transplant surgery may also be required for individuals who have had one or both kidneys removed due to injury or disease. In these cases, a transplant can help restore normal kidney function and eliminate the need to undergo dialysis.
Preparation for a renal transplant surgery involves several steps. The first step is to get a thorough evaluation by a transplant team. This includes medical tests, psychological evaluations, and counseling sessions to ensure that you are physically and mentally ready for the surgery and the lifelong commitment to taking care of the new kidney.
Next, you’ll need to be placed on the national waiting list for a donor kidney. The waiting time can be different, depending on your blood type, how well you match with available donors, and other factors.
While waiting for a donor kidney, it's crucial to stay as healthy as possible. This means following a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, taking prescribed medications, and attending all scheduled medical appointments. It's also essential to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and any non-prescribed substances.
Finally, you should plan for your recovery period. This includes arranging for time off work, organizing transportation to and from the hospital, and ensuring that you have someone to help you at home during the first few weeks after surgery. You should also prepare for the financial aspects of transplant surgery, such as potential costs for medications, follow-up appointments, and any necessary lifestyle modifications.
Before renal transplant surgery, the patient undergoes a series of tests to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. This includes blood tests, imaging studies, and other specialized tests.
A potential donor is also screened to ensure they are a suitable match and that their kidney is healthy. The donor and recipient may be in the same location or in different parts of the country.
Once a donor has been identified and the patient is deemed suitable for transplant, the surgical team will schedule the procedure. The patient is admitted to the hospital the day before surgery to undergo final preoperative testing and preparation.
The patient is educated about the procedure. He/She is explained about what to expect during and after surgery, potential complications, and the importance of following the prescribed aftercare regimen.
Patients are instructed to abstain from eating or drinking anything after midnight on the night before the surgery. They may also be asked to cleanse their bowels and take antibiotics to prevent infection.
Renal transplant surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen where the new kidney shall be placed.
The donor's kidney is prepared for transplantation. This involves flushing the organ with a special solution and inspecting it for any signs of damage or disease.
The surgeon connects the blood vessels of the new kidney to the recipient's blood vessels. This is a crucial step that needs precision and expertise. The ureter of the new kidney is then connected to the recipient's bladder.
Once the new kidney is in place and all connections have been made, blood flow is restored to the kidney. The surgeon observes the kidney for a short time to ensure it is functioning properly.
The incision is then closed, usually with stitches or staples. The surgery typically takes three to four hours.
After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room where they are monitored closely. The new kidney often starts to make urine immediately, but sometimes it can take a few days or weeks to start functioning fully.
The renal transplant surgery involves several steps. Firstly, the recipient's damaged kidney is removed through a procedure known as a nephrectomy. The healthy kidney from the donor is then placed in the recipient's body. This is usually placed in the lower abdomen where it can be connected to the bladder and blood vessels. There are different techniques used in this procedure. The most common is the open surgery where a large incision is made in the abdomen to place the new kidney. Another method is the laparoscopic technique, which involves making several small incisions rather than one large one. The kidney is then placed through one of these small incisions.
After the renal transplant surgery, the patient is moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. The patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week. The new kidney may start working immediately or may take up to a few weeks. Patients are usually put on a regimen of immunosuppressant drugs so that their body does not reject the new kidney. Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the function of the new kidney and to adjust the immunosuppressant drugs as needed.
Like any major surgery, renal transplant surgery carries risks. These include infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. There is also the risk of the body rejecting the new kidney. This can happen immediately once the surgery is done or many years after the operation. Long-term complications may also occur, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, or kidney failure. There's also a risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly skin cancer and lymphoma, because of the immunosuppressant drugs that are taken to prevent rejection of the new kidney.