Kidney Transplant: Benefits, risks and procedure

A transplant is a surgical operation in which a healthy kidney from a donor (either deceased or alive) is implanted in your body. The replacement kidney will subsequently do the function of your kidneys and filter your blood, eliminating the need for dialysis. However, it is not a cure, and not everyone is eligible for a transplant.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are situated on either side of the spine beneath the ribs. The size of each is comparable to a fist. They produce urine as part of their primary job, which is to filter and remove moisture, minerals, and waste from the blood.

When kidneys lose their capacity to filter, dangerous amounts of fluid and waste build up in the body, raising blood pressure and leading to kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). End-stage renal disease develops when the kidneys are only around 90% capable of performing their usual functions. End-stage renal disease develops when the kidneys are only around 90% capable of performing their usual functions.


What are Common causes of end-stage kidney disease?


Diabetes

Diabetes-related elevated blood sugar over time can harm kidney blood vessels and nephrons, impairing their ability to function as they should.

Chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure over time can lead to the arteries around the kidneys becoming more constricted, frail, or rigid. The renal tissue cannot receive adequate blood from these damaged arteries. Kidney arteries with damage do not filter blood efficiently. 

Chronic glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is an inflammation of the glomeruli, which are microscopic blood vessel-filled structures in your kidneys. These bundles of blood arteries assist in filtering your blood and removing extra fluid. Your kidneys will cease functioning normally if your glomeruli are destroyed, and kidney failure may result.

End-stage kidney disease patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant to keep them alive by removing waste from their circulation mechanically.

What are the benefits of getting a kidney transplant?

Kidney Transplant: Benefits, risks and procedure

  • You will no longer need dialysis
  • Less limitations on fluids and food
  • Higher standard of living and increased independence
  • Maybe longer life expectancy
  • Improved sex life and increased fertility

How to make kidney transplant last longer:
  • Take the transplant medicine on a regular basis to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney.
  • Get physically active and exercise on a regular basis.
  • Avoid gaining weight.
  • Smoking is not permitted.
  • Don't consume too much alcohol (Just stop drinking already, its not worth it)
  • Eat nutritious foods and avoid rare meat and uncooked seafood.
  • Maintain regular contact with the transplant team and your primary care physician.
  • Maintains a healthy lifestyle.

What are the risks of kidney transplant?

The procedure is not a cure, but kidney transplantation can treat severe renal disease and kidney failure. After a transplant, some types of kidney disease could come back.
The health concerns connected to a kidney transplant include those directly related to the procedure and organ rejection. The adverse consequences of taking immunosuppressive drugs, which are used to stop the body from rejecting a given kidney, are another risk.

You will take medication to help stop your body from rejecting the donor kidney after a kidney transplant. A number of adverse effects of these drugs include:
  • Bone thinning and fractures.
  • Diabetes.
  • Excessive Hair growth or loss.
  • Elevated blood pressure.
  • High triglycerides.

Transplant Screening Process

In order to determine whether you are a good candidate for a kidney transplant, you must consult with your medical team. You must pass a transplant screening procedure in order to be accepted onto the transplant waiting list.

They'll look at your physical and mental well-being, your financial situation (can you manage to pay for your transplant-related meds), and if you have a support network.

The transplant team also assesses how effectively you adhere to medical advice and if you are appropriately using your current medicines. If you are presently receiving dialysis, they will also look at how frequently you skip treatments or stop early, which might keep you off the transplant list—at least until you can demonstrate that you are capable of adhering to the necessary dialysis treatments. 

Some medical professionals think that if you don't comply with your dialysis treatment, you might not take the essential steps to maintain a new kidney.

Some transplant clinics have particular conditions you must follow, such weight limitations, no smoking, and no use of illicit substances. You will receive assistance from your transplant team at every stage of the procedure. Additionally, some facilities employ "patient navigators" who may assist you in focusing on the phases of the transplant procedure and provide answers to some of your queries from a personal perspective.

Preparing for Kidney transplant Surgery

  • Be active most days of the week for at least 30 minutes. For instance, you might wish to go for a walk each day before the procedure. After surgery, being active might aid in a quicker and easier recovery.
  • Prior to your procedure, stop smoking. Smoking might increase the likelihood of health issues after surgery.
  • Reduce your alcohol consumption or stop altogether. After surgery, wait until your transplant team says you can before starting to drink.
  • For seven days before to surgery, refrain from using aspirin or nonsteroidal pain relievers like ibuprofen (or as directed by your transplant team).
  • Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This can maintain the strength of your body.