Overview

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving technique for those suffering from kidney failure or end-stage renal disease that includes replacing a damaged kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor. Generally, the new kidney is implanted in the lower abdomen, while the two native kidneys are left in place unless they represent a major problem. Now the process of transplantation can be quite complex and involve various stages. It is common for the layman to be unaware of these stages of surgery and what to expect from it. So we will explore this in detail in this blog post.

Pre-Op:

- Pre-transplant evaluation: A patient about to have a kidney transplant must first undergo an evaluation to determine whether they are ready for the process. This includes several health examinations and tests like HIV, blood tests, colon exams, etc., at the transplant centre. Some of these tests vary depending on the gender of the patient.
- Donor matching: It is important to note that the person donating the kidney, living or dead, must be the right match. The donor kidney must match the recipient’s tissues and organs so that the immune system, which is meant to protect us from foreign threats, doesn’t attack it.
- Preparing for the surgery: The patients may need to make lifestyle changes before the surgery, like quitting smoking and avoiding blood thinning medications like aspirin. One must drink a lot of water and clear liquids, especially if you do not have a good bowel movement.

During Surgery:

- Anaesthesia and test procedures: Before the surgery starts, some tests are conducted to check the transplant eligibility of the patient’s body. Vital signals such as heart rate, blood pressure, and so on are recorded, whereafter, an IV is placed in the patient’s arm and hand. After this, the anaesthesiologists give general anaesthesia that helps the patient relax and sleep. After they are asleep, a breathing tube is inserted in the mouth and airway to help them breathe during the surgery.
- Transplant surgery process: The surgeon makes an incision, about 3 inches long, on the patient’s abdomen and puts in the new kidney with the donor’s ureter sewn to the recipient’s bladder. The patient’s native kidneys are not removed unless they pose an essential threat to the body. The skin is sewn, and the patient is taken to the recovery room. This procedure of kidney transplantation takes about 3-4 hours to complete.

Post-Op:

The patient is moved to the recovery room after the surgery for close observation and is advised to stay in the hospital for a few days. Medications are administered during this stay as part of the post-transplant recovery process; for example, they alleviate the pain, and immunosuppressants are adjusted to suppress the immune system’s response to the new organ. Once it is ensured that the patient is recovering normally and the body is accepting the transplanted organ, he/she is sent home.

Thereafter, home recovery continues, which includes dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and, most of all, changes in thoughts, as thoughts hold massive healing power.

Expect these after-effects post-kidney transplant:

One might expect some things right after a kidney transplant until it begins to function completely. The patient can expect the following:

- To stay on medications to lower infection and complication risk.
- To continue immunosuppressants.
- Soreness and pain in the abdomen and around the incision area while healing.
- Side effects of medications.
- A new range of emotions as medications affect mood and thought process.

A successful kidney transplant may allow a patient to live longer, and there are fewer dietary limitations for many of them. Some other benefits of kidney transplantation are:

- No dialysis needed: There is no dependence on an artificial machine, and the filter function runs naturally within the body, just like before.
- Better health and ease of life: Quality of life significantly improves after a kidney transplant. Recipients can return to normal life without fearing complications like high blood pressure, anaemia, or nerve damage.
- Lower risk of death: Since transplant alleviates the risk of complications, the survival rates of transplant patients are better than those on dialysis.
- Increased fertility: Fertility and sex life likely improve after a kidney transplant.
- High energy levels: Once the patient recovers completely, continuing their daily life routine, travelling, and playing many sports become low-hanging fruits for them.

However, one should remember to follow a healthy diet to maintain and improve kidney function. Regular follow-ups are also necessary to monitor the post-transplant recovery process.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion:

Kidney transplantation is a surgical process in which one or both kidneys are replaced with a healthy, donated kidney from a live or deceased donor. It is advised for people with end-stage renal disease who cannot maintain acceptable kidney function with previous medications. The technique has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life and lifespan of people who get a new organ. Furthermore, compared to dialysis- dependent individuals, it can lower the risk of mortality from renal failure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What is the process before a kidney transplant? A1. The process before a kidney transplant typically involves a few steps to ensure that the transplant recipient is a fine fit for the procedure and to maximise the chances of a successful transplant. The general steps are as follows: Referral and Evaluation, Pre-Transplant Workup, Finding a Donor, Matching, and Compatibility.

Q2. What to expect when you have a kidney transplant? A2. A successful kidney transplant may enable you to live longer and live the life you had before renal illness. There are fewer restrictions on what you can eat and drink for many patients, though you should follow a heart-healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight to help your new kidney last.

Q3. What precautions should be taken after a kidney transplant? A3. Following a kidney transplant, various measures must be taken to achieve the best possible results and prevent complications which include: taking medications as given, preventing infection, monitoring for signs of rejection, avoiding stress, avoiding high sugar intake, and maintaining hygiene.

Q4. What is life like after a kidney transplant? A4. After a kidney transplant, patients often enjoy more energy, improved appetite, and better overall health. Patients must, however, continue to take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their lives to keep their bodies from rejecting the new kidney. Patients may need to adjust their lifestyles to support their new kidneys.

Q5. At what stage is a kidney transplant done? A5. End-stage renal disease (ESRD), the last chronic kidney disease stage, is often treated by a kidney transplant (CKD). ESRD is a disorder in which the kidneys can no longer function properly to support the body's needs, necessitating constant treatment to maintain life.

Q6. Why are kidneys not removed during transplant? A6. The diseased kidney(s) are normally not removed during a kidney transplant unless they are causing issues, such as infections or uncontrolled bleeding. This is because the existing kidneys may still function to some extent, and removing them may raise the risk of complications such as bleeding or harm to neighbouring organs. Also, having a backup kidney can be beneficial in the event that the transplanted kidney fails or becomes damaged.

Reference Links:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14618-dialysis
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hemodialysis
https://www.kidneyfund.org/treatments/dialysis/hemodialysis-type-dialysis
https://www.davita.com/treatment-services/dialysis/in-center-hemodialysis/what-is-hemodialysis