KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

A kidney transplant is a surgery to place a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly. The kidneys are a pair of bean shaped organs that are located below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The right kidney is generally slightly lower than the left kidney to make space for liver. The kidneys help remove the waste products from the body, regulate blood pressure levels and maintain the electrolyte balanced in the body. The main role of kidneys is to maintain homeostasis. It manages the fluid levels as well as the electrolytes that keep the internal environment of the body balanced. The kidneys perform a wide range of bodily functions.

When the kidneys loose the filtering ability, harmful levels of fluid and waste accumulates in the body, which can raise the blood pressure and result in end stage renal disease or kidney failure. End stage renal disease occurs when about 90% of the functioning is lost. There certain common causes of end stage renal disease like diabetes, chronic uncontrolled blood pressure, polycystic kidney diseases and chronic glomerulonephritis. People with end stage renal disease need to have waste removed from their bloodstream via dialysis or a kidney transplantation.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

A kidney is usually transplanted into the right or left groin. The blood vessels in the groin will be found, and joins will be made between the blood vessels of kidney. Usually, there is one join for the vein and one for the artery. Blood flow through these vessels will be temporarily stopped while the stitching is done. Once the blood vessels have been stitched together blood will flow through the kidney and legs. Next join will be made between the ureter and bladder. Usually, a short piece of soft plastic tubing (stent) is placed inside the ureter. The stent is then removed after several weeks after the surgery.

What disqualifies one from getting kidney transplant?

There are certain reasons for it like a serious health condition which makes it dangerous to have surgery, recurring infection, drug or alcohol abuse.

BENEFITS

A successful kidney transplant gives one increased stamina, strength and energy After transplantation one can return to more normal lifestyle and control over daily living. Anaemia, a common problem with kidney failure, might be corrected after transplantation.

RISKS

The risks of kidney transplant are same as those of any surgery. There is risk of bleeding, infection, or side effects of medications.

RECOVERY

On average kidney transplant recovery time is about 6 weeks. This timeframe may differ person to person depending on the overall health and other factors. Certain precautions to be taken during the recovery period like

Avoid heavy weight lifting and strenuous physical work- at least 6-8 weeks following surgery. Its important that one does not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds for 2-3 months, and nothing heavier than 40 pounds for 4-6 months.
Avoid driving for at least 6 weeks following surgery- plan ahead so a family member or friend can help during this time. Whenever in moving vehicles one should always use a seatbelt.
Exercise- the health care provider will recommend light exercises like stretching and walking. Other exercises may include jogging, cycling, aerobics and may more. All of them may help to regain the strength and stamina once the incision heals.
Avoid contact sports- they might cause injury to your transplanted kidney.
Stay hydrated- this is the key to successful recovery.
Don’t eat raw or undercooked foods.
Get plenty of protein in diet.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Early detection might prevent kidney disease from progressing to kidney failures. You may need a transplant if one has end stage renal disease, so it is important to consult specialists. Dr. Pragnesh Bharpoda is one of the best kidney transplant surgeon serving at Gujarat Kidney Hospital which is one of the best kidney transplant hospital at Vadodara.