A kidney transplant is a major operation usually considered when all other treatment options have failed. A kidney transplant may be necessary when a person has an end-stage renal disease caused by kidneys that can no longer efficiently eliminate waste from the blood. A kidney transplant can also be an option for people who have certain inherited kidney diseases.
The decision to have a kidney transplant considers many factors, including the severity of the illness, the chances of success, and the potential risks and side effects.
If a person decides to go ahead with a kidney transplant, he will need to undergo some tests to ensure he is healthy enough for surgery. He also needs to find a suitable donor.
⮚ What to Expect Before Undergoing a Transplant
Before you go for a Kidney transplant, you will have to undergo a series of tests to see if you are healthy enough for surgery and determine the type of medication you need. You will also be placed on a national transplant waiting list. While you wait, stay healthy and avoid any health-deteriorating activities.
⮚ During the Transplantation Process: The Surgical Procedure and The Recovery Period
Before your transplant, you’ll meet with your transplant team to go over the details of the surgery. You’ll also have tests to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
This procedure involves making a small cut in the abdomen and implanting a transplanted kidney into the body. New kidneys have blood vessels connected to the stomach, and the bladder is connected to the ureter. The surgery can take a few hours. General anesthesia will not let you feel the pain. After the surgery, you’ll spend a few days in the hospital recovering.
Life after Kidney Transplantation
Patients who undergo a kidney transplant stay on immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their lives. These drugs help to prevent your system from rejecting the newly implanted kidney. Some common side effects of these drugs include an increased risk of infection, high blood pressure, and kidney damage.
Patients will also need to have regular checkups with their transplant team. During these appointments, they will get monitored for rejection or infection. They will also need to have blood and urine tests done frequently.
Post-surgery, one needs to be extra careful about self. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking their medications as prescribed, will help new kidneys to last long.
How Can Kidney Transplants Be Performed?
There are three categories of kidney donors- deceased donors, living donors, and paired donors.
Deceased donor transplants are the most common type. The organs are donated by someone who has died and is matched to the recipient by blood type and other factors. Living donor transplants are less common. The organ is donated by a living person, who may be a relative or friend of the recipient. The donor’s blood type must be compatible with the recipient’s, and they must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the process.
Paired donation is a newer option for people with a willing but incompatible donor. In this type of transplant, the incompatible donors exchange kidneys with another pair in which one person has an incompatible blood type with their willing donor.
Kidney Transplant Cost
A kidney transplant cost can be anywhere between ₹ 1 lakh to ₹ 30 lakh, depending on the hospital and city you choose for the surgery. The price also depends on the type of the hospital, as private hospitals tend to be more expensive but offer better facilities and a higher success rate. You should decide after evaluating every necessary factor.
Conclusion
Kidney transplants are a life-saving surgery for those with renal failure. It is important to remember that kidney transplant cost should not be the only factor in choosing a hospital. You should also consider the success rate, facilities, and staff when making your decision. The best way to ensure a successful transplant is to have a detailed chat with your transplant team and follow their instructions.
Read More Blogs:
