Procedure of Kidney Transplant

What is a Kidney?

The kidney is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s overall health. It is a pair of bean-shaped organs located in the lower back, one on each side of the spine.

Functions of the Kidney                                                            

The kidney performs several essential functions, including:

1. Waste removal: The kidney filters waste and excess fluids from the blood and excretes them in the urine.
2. Electrolyte balance: The kidney regulates the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, in the body.
3. Blood pressure control: The kidney helps to control blood pressure by regulating the amount of fluid in the body and producing hormones that help to lower blood pressure.
4. Red blood cell production: The kidney produces erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.
5. Vitamin D activation: The kidney activates vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.

What is Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or damaged kidney with a healthy one from a donor. The transplanted kidney can come from a living donor or a deceased donor.

Why is a Kidney Transplant Needed?

A kidney transplant is needed when a person’s kidneys are no longer able to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This can be due to various reasons such as:

1. End-stage renal disease (ESRD): A condition where the kidneys are no longer able to function.
2. Chronic kidney disease: A condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot function properly.
3. Kidney failure: A condition where the kidneys suddenly stop working.

 

Kidney Transplant Procedure

The kidney transplant procedure involves the following steps:

1. Pre-transplant evaluation: The recipient undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the transplant.
2. Donor selection: A suitable donor is selected based on blood type, tissue type, and other factors.
3. Surgery: The recipient is given general anesthesia and the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen.
4. Removal of the diseased kidney: The diseased kidney is removed and the new kidney is implanted.
5. Connection of blood vessels: The blood vessels of the new kidney are connected to the recipient’s blood vessels.
6. Connection of the ureter: The ureter of the new kidney is connected to the recipient’s bladder.

Types of Kidney Transplants

There are two types of kidney transplants:

1. Living donor transplant: A transplant where the donor is a living person, usually a family member or friend.
2. Deceased donor transplant: A transplant where the donor is a deceased person.

Some Common Kidney Diseases:

• Kidney cancer
• Early kidney failure
• Chronic renal insufficiency
• Nephropathy
• Hyperfiltration (Stage 1)
• Mild microalbuminuria ( Stage 2 )
• Clinical albuminuria ( Stage 3)
• Advanced clinical nephropathy (Stage 4)
• Kidney failure (Stage 5)
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Nephritis

Kidney Transplant Recovery

The recovery process for kidney transplant typically involves:

1. Hospital stay: The recipient will need to stay in the hospital for several days after the transplant.
2. Pain management: The recipient will need to manage pain and discomfort after the transplant.
3. Immunosuppressive medications: The recipient will need to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection.
4. Follow-up care: The recipient will need to follow up with their healthcare provider regularly to monitor the new kidney’s function.

Cost of Kidney Transplant in India

The cost of kidney transplant varies depending on several factors, including the type of transplant, the recipient’s insurance coverage, and the location of the transplant.