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What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is implanted into a recipient with end-stage kidney disease or significant kidney dysfunction. This procedure offers a life-saving treatment option for individuals whose kidneys have failed, providing them with a new organ to perform the essential functions of filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood to produce urine.

Common Indications for Kidney Transplant

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Advanced kidney failure that significantly impairs the kidneys' ability to function, leading to accumulation of waste products and fluids in the body and severe symptoms such as fatigue, fluid retention (edema), electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic abnormalities.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Progressive decline in kidney function over time, often resulting from conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders, which may eventually lead to kidney failure.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Sudden loss of kidney function due to severe infection, injury, medication toxicity, or other acute conditions, which may progress to irreversible kidney damage and require long-term dialysis or kidney transplant.

Pre-Transplant Evaluation and Screening

Before undergoing a kidney transplant, candidates undergo a thorough evaluation and screening process to assess their eligibility, evaluate their overall health status, and identify any potential contraindications or risks. This evaluation typically includes:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan), and kidney biopsy
  • Assessment of cardiovascular health, pulmonary function, infectious disease status, and other organ systems
  • Psychosocial evaluation to assess social support, mental health, and adherence to medical therapy
  • Evaluation of potential living donors (if applicable) to assess compatibility and suitability for kidney donation

Pre-Transplant Care and Follow-Up

After a kidney transplant, recipients require lifelong medical management and follow-up care to monitor graft function, prevent rejection, and manage complications.

Surgical Procedure​

  • During a kidney transplant procedure, the diseased or failed kidney(s) are removed, and the donor kidney is implanted into the recipient's body.
  • The donor kidney may come from a living donor (such as a family member, friend, or altruistic donor) or a deceased donor (through organ donation).
  • The surgical team carefully connects the donor kidney's blood vessels and ureter to the recipient's blood vessels and bladder, ensuring proper blood flow and urine drainage.
  • The surgery typically lasts several hours, and the recipient is placed under general anesthesia during the operation.

Whom to Consult?​ and When to Seek Medical Advice?

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of kidney failure or have been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate management at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai.

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Consult our healthcare experts immediately if you experience​​

  • Severe or worsening symptoms of kidney failure, such as decreased urine output, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or signs of fluid overload.
  • Signs of complications such as infection, rejection, medication side effects, or graft dysfunction requiring urgent medical attention or intervention.

Common FAQs About Kidney Transplant

Q: How long does kidney transplant surgery take?

A: The duration of a kidney transplant surgery typically ranges from three to five hours, although it may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of donor kidney (living or deceased), and individual patient factors.

Q: What is the survival rate after a kidney transplant?

A: The survival rate after kidney transplant surgery has improved significantly over the years, with approximately 90% of recipients surviving the first year post-transplant and about 70-80% surviving five years or more. Long-term survival rates continue to improve with advancements in transplant techniques

Q.What are the risks and complications of kidney transplant surgery?

Kidney transplant surgery carries risks and potential complications, including bleeding, infection, organ rejection, side effects of immunosuppressive medications, blood clots, complications associated with anesthesia or surgery, and complications related to the donor kidney function. Close monitoring and follow-up care are essential to minimize risks and optimize outcomes.

Q. How long is the recovery period after a kidney transplant?

The recovery period after a kidney transplant can vary depending on individual factors, including the recipient's overall health, the success of the surgery, and any potential complications. Generally, recipients will spend several days to weeks in the hospital recovering from the surgery, followed by a gradual rehabilitation and recovery process at home.

Q. How long does a transplanted kidney last?

The lifespan of a transplanted kidney can vary from patient to patient. While some recipients may enjoy many years of improved kidney function and quality of life with the transplanted kidney, others may experience complications or rejection that may necessitate further treatment or, in some cases, re-transplantation.

Q. Can I lead a normal life after a kidney transplant?

Many kidney transplant recipients can lead fulfilling and active lives after surgery, although certain lifestyle modifications and ongoing medical care are necessary. Regular follow-up appointments with a transplant team, adherence to medications, monitoring for signs of rejection or complications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential for long-term success and well-being.

SRM Global Hospitals Pvt Ltd strives to deliver exceptional patient care with world-class expertise supported by next – gen medical and digital technologies because you deserve the quality care and are at the core of everything we do.

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