A kidney transplant is a medical procedure where a diseased kidney is replaced with a healthy one sourced from another individual. This healthy kidney can either be obtained from a deceased organ donor or a living person, often a family member who is a good match. Such transplants, using living donors, are known as living donor transplants.
Remarkably, a person who donates one of their kidneys can still lead a healthy life with their remaining kidney. When considering living donor transplants versus those from deceased donors, the advantages are clear:
- Reduced waiting times
- Higher success rates
- Scheduled surgeries, ensuring optimal health for both the donor and the recipient.
The Procedure Explained
In this surgical procedure, the donated kidney is positioned to the side of the lower abdomen. The transplant surgeon connects the kidney's artery and vein to the recipient's pelvic blood vessels. Typically, the entire operation lasts around 3 hours. Post-surgery, a urinary catheter is placed to drain urine, which is usually removed after about five days.
Why Opt for a Kidney Transplant?
The majority of kidney transplants prove effective immediately, with creatinine levels normalising within weeks. However, there are instances where the kidney takes time to function, requiring temporary dialysis support.
Exploring Alternatives
In times gone by, kidney failure was a condition with no remedy. Today, thanks to various dialysis techniques, many lives previously at risk are now saved. While dialysis acts as a life-saving measure, it doesn't cure kidney failure; it merely replicates some functions of a healthy kidney.
Risks and Potential Complications
With the prospect of improved quality of life post-transplant, such as lesser dialysis need, possible return to work, increased energy, and dietary flexibility, the advantages of a kidney transplant are undeniable. However, potential risks exist. These include surgical risks like infection, complications necessitating another surgery, and the dangers linked to post-transplant medications that suppress the immune system, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to infections and diseases. In rare circumstances, these risks can be life-threatening. Certain patients, due to age or concurrent illnesses, might face amplified risks. An integral part of the transplant evaluation is assessing if the benefits surpass these risks.
Candidate Eligibility for Kidney Transplantation
Presently, kidney transplantation is heralded as the premier treatment for end-stage kidney disease patients. If you're considering a kidney transplant, you'll be provided extensive information regarding the process—pre-transplant, during your hospitalisation, and post-transplant. Our objective is to address your concerns and assist you in making an informed decision about kidney transplantation, facilitating a smoother treatment journey and recovery process.
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