kidney transplant
kidney transplant
A kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a healthy kidney from either a living or deceased donor into an individual whose kidneys no longer perform their essential functions adequately.
The kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs situated on either side of the spine just below the rib cage, are roughly the size of a fist. Their primary role is to filter and eliminate waste, minerals, and fluid from the blood by generating urine.
When the kidneys lose their filtration capability, the accumulation of harmful levels of fluid and waste in the body can elevate blood pressure and lead to kidney failure, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD occurs when the kidneys have lost approximately 90% of their normal functioning capacity.
Common causes of end-stage kidney disease encompass
Various treatments depend on cancer type, stage, and location. Common options include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Chronic glomerulonephritis — an inflammation and eventual scarring of the tiny filters within the kidneys
- Polycystic kidney disease
Kidney Transplant Procedure
Evaluation and Matching
- Patient Assessment: Potential recipients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess their overall health and suitability for transplantation.
- Donor Compatibility: Living donors are evaluated to ensure compatibility with the recipient, considering factors such as blood type and tissue matching.
Finding a Donor
- Living Donors: Family members, friends, or altruistic individuals may donate a kidney
- Deceased Donors: Kidneys from deceased donors are allocated based on a national waiting list, considering factors like medical urgency and compatibility.
Pre-transplant Preparations
- Immunosuppressive Medications: Recipients are often prescribed immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney.
- Dialysis: Some patients may require dialysis while awaiting transplantation.
Surgery
- Recipient Surgery: The recipient's damaged kidney is removed and the new kidney is surgically placed.
- Donor Surgery: In the case of a living donor, a surgical procedure is performed to remove a healthy kidney.
Post-transplant Care
- Hospital Stay: Recipients typically stay in the hospital for a few days post-surgery.
- Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and monitoring of kidney function are essential to ensure the success of the transplant.
Immunosuppression
- Medication Adherence: Patients must adhere to prescribed immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection.
- Regular Check-ups: Routine check-ups help monitor for any signs of rejection or complications.
Rehabilitation
- Physical Activity: Gradual return to normal activities under medical guidance.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle to support overall well-being.
Benefits
- Improved Quality of Life: A successful transplant can enhance overall health and quality of life.
- Reduced Dependency: Reduced reliance on dialysis for individuals with ESRD.
Considerations
- Risks: Potential risks include rejection, infection, and side effects of immunosuppressive medications.
- Lifelong Care: Post-transplant care and medication adherence are crucial for long-term success.
At UniHealth, a collaborative team of healthcare professionals, each specialized in various medical fields, collaborates to ensure positive outcomes for kidney transplant recipients. This interdisciplinary approach means that patients benefit from a range of perspectives. The team collectively reviews patient cases, swiftly accesses test results, coordinates appointments efficiently and collaboratively determines the most suitable course of action for each patient.