Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed on those whose kidneys are not functioning properly by replacing a healthy kidney from living or deceased donor. Kidneys are two bean shaped organs about a size of fist located below ribcage on each side of spine. These filter out the waste, minerals and fluids from the blood in the form of urine.

Kidneys when stop filtering, the harmful wastes accumulate in the body and increase the blood pressure resulting in kidney failure. When kidneys lose 90% of their functioning ability End -Stage renal disorder occurs.

Following are some of common causes of end-stage kidney disease:

• Uncontrolled or Chronic Blood pressure
• Diabetic
• Polycystic Kidney disease

People diagnosed with end stage renal disease have to get the waste removed from their blood stream via Dialysis or kidney transplant.

Types of Kidney Transplantation:

1. Deceased Donor kidney transplant

2. Living donor kidney transplant

3. Pre-emptive kidney transplant

Why Kidney Transplant?

It’s a treatment of choice for kidney failure, it can treat chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease and help you feel better and live longer

In Comparison with Dialysis, Kidney transplant can promise:

• Better quality of life
• Lesser risk of death
• Lesser treatment cost

In some patients, it is may be risky than dialysis. Some that conditions are:

• Heart disease
• Advanced age
• Active/recently diagnosed with cancer
• Alcohol/drug abuse

Risks:

Kidney transplantation can improve the functioning of kidney but its not a cure. Some form of kidney disease can return after transplant. Some of the heath risks involve with the surgery itself, side effects of medications. Kidney transplant decision need to be taken after the doctor advice as it involves with the serious risks and benefits.

Complications during procedure:

• Blood clots and excess bleeding
• Chances of infection
• Failure or rejection of donor kidney

After transplantation, the medications that help the patient from rejecting the kidney may lead to certain side effects like

Diabetes, High blood pressure, High Cholesterol and Obesity