‍A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where an inactive or failing kidney from a donor is replaced with a functioning one in the patient’s body. A healthy individual acts as the ‘antigen’ or the donor of their own kidney. If you are suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to chronic kidney disease, you may be eligible for a kidney transplant. A Kidney specialist in Mumbai will help you understand your treatment options and find out if a transplant is right for you. Here’re some basic facts about this surgical procedure:

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A transplant is a medical procedure during which a kidney from a living or deceased donor is implanted into a person with kidney disease to replace their damaged kidneys. A kidney from a living donor is the best treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease, but kidneys from deceased donors can also be used. A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where an inactive or failing kidney from a donor is replaced with a functioning one in the patient’s body. A healthy individual acts as the ‘antigen’ or the donor of their own kidney. The immune system of both the donor and the recipient is suppressed with drugs so that it doesn’t reject the transplant.

Who can get a Kidney Transplant?

The first step in getting a transplant is to determine if you are a candidate. Here are some of the conditions that you can be treated with a kidney transplant: • End-stage renal disease (kidney failure) • Chronic kidney disease (long-term damage to the kidneys) • High blood pressure in the renal arteries • Kidney cysts • Nephrotic syndrome (kidney disorder due to high protein levels in the bloodstream) • Infection in the urinary tract If you have any of these conditions, you may be eligible for a kidney transplant. Your doctor will discuss with you if a transplant is right for you. There are certain factors that will be taken into account before making a decision. These include • Age: Transplant is elective surgery, and a person has to be above 18 years of age. • Body size: The ideal weight-to-height ratio should be 35 kg/m2 (for men) and 31 kg/m2 (for women). Weight should be proportionate to height. • Blood group: Your blood group should be compatible with the blood group of the donor.

The Steps Involved in a Kidney Transplant

If you are cleared for a kidney transplant, the following steps will be followed: • A donor is identified: The best option is to find a living donor, who is a healthy member of your family or a friend. If a living donor is not available, a deceased donor can be chosen. • Testing of the donor: The donor has to undergo thorough medical tests to determine if he/she is a suitable candidate. • Testing of the recipient: The recipient has to go through a series of tests to check for any existing infections and diseases that may be contagious. • Preparations for the surgery: Once the decision is made, the recipient and the donor are prepared for surgery. Both of them are given certain medications to prevent infections, avoid allergies, and reduce the risk of blood clots.

The benefits of a kidney transplant

There are several benefits of a kidney transplant that you should know about. A kidney transplant is the only treatment that can reverse kidney failure and stop the progression of the disease. You can lead an active and healthy life without worrying about the progression of the disease. The risks of getting other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc. will be reduced. Other benefits of a kidney transplant are: You can travel freely without the fear of getting hospitalized. This is because infections will be reduced. You will have to take fewer medicines that have harmful side effects. You can also save a lot of money due to reduced medical expenses.

Risks/Side Effects of a Kidney Transplant

Like any surgery, a transplant is also associated with certain risks and side effects. Make sure to discuss these with your doctor during the course of your treatment. Some of these risks include: - Infection: All surgeries carry the risk of infection, which can happen if the wound does not heal properly. Discharge from the wound could contain bacteria, and lead to infection in the surrounding tissue. - Bleeding: Bleeding is a common complication after any surgery. It may happen due to injury of a blood vessel or due to a medical condition called thrombosis. - Rejection of the kidney: The transplanted kidney may be rejected or attacked by your immune system. Medications are prescribed to control the immune system so that it doesn’t recognize the transplanted kidney as a foreign object and reject it. - Death: This is a rare but serious complication, especially after surgery.

Things to know before going for a transplant

Before you decide to go for a kidney transplant, it is important to understand the process and the risks involved. You need to be compliant with the treatment and follow a proper diet and exercise routine. A proper kidney transplant diet is needed to control your blood sugar and reduce the risk of infections. Some important things to know before going for a transplant are: The donor and the recipient should be within the same blood group. Both of them should be free from any infections, blood-borne diseases, and other infectious diseases. The recipient should be in good health, have an active lifestyle, and have a positive outlook toward life. The donor and recipient should have a good rapport with each other, and they should be comfortable sharing their personal and medical information. The donor should understand the risks and be prepared to deal with the side effects of the surgery.

Conclusion

A kidney transplant is an effective treatment for kidney failure. It is recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease who are at a high risk of developing complications due to their disease. A kidney transplant can improve quality of life and prolong life expectancy. It is important to understand the process and the risks involved before undergoing this procedure. If you are suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to chronic kidney disease, you may be eligible for a kidney transplant. A kidney specialist in Mumbai will help you understand your treatment options and find out if a transplant is right for you.

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