Why is a Kidney Transplant Done?

A kidney transplant in Jaipur, medically known as a renal transplant, is carried out to address kidney failure in individuals. When the kidneys cease to function properly, patients are subjected to dialysis, a mechanical filtration process that replaces the kidney’s functions.

Another treatment option for kidney failure is a transplant of a kidney from a live or deceased donor. The surgeon transfers the donated kidney into the recipient’s body during this procedure. Immunosuppressive medications are then administered to prevent the recipient’s immune system from attacking the new kidney, perceiving it as a foreign object.

A kidney transplant may be the sole option for those whose kidneys have completely stopped working, also known as an end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Patients with ESRD require dialysis to stay alive, but a kidney transplant can remove their reliance on a dialysis machine for the rest of their life. As only one healthy kidney is necessary to replace two failed kidneys, a healthy person can donate one of their kidneys to someone with ESRD.

Disease and conditions that may require a kidney transplantation

Individuals with kidney failure, where the kidneys have lost 90% of their functioning capacity, require kidney transplants. Various diseases and conditions can lead to this condition. In India, around 60% of cases of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease are a result of lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. The primary causes of kidney failure include:

Type 2 diabetes: It is also known as Diabetes mellitus, is a medical condition where the body is incapable of properly metabolizing glucose, leading to elevated levels of sugar in the blood. Over time, the surplus sugar in the blood vessels can destroy millions of tiny blood-filtering units located inside the kidney, ultimately resulting in kidney failure.

High blood pressure: It is the second most common reason for kidney failure. Persistent high blood pressure can lead to the hardening, narrowing, or weakening of the arteries surrounding the kidneys. This damages the blood vessels’ ability to provide enough blood to the kidney tissues, depriving them of essential oxygen and nutrients and ultimately leading to kidney failure.

Glomerulonephritis: It refers to the inflammation of the kidney’s small filters called glomeruli, which filter wastes, electrolytes, and excess fluid from the blood. Glomerulonephritis can be triggered by several conditions, including diabetes, immune system disorders, bacterial and viral infections, lupus, and vasculitis.

Polycystic kidney disease: It is a genetic disorder that causes clusters of fluid-filled sacs known as cysts to grow in the kidneys, resulting in a decline in the kidney’s ability to filter blood.

Serious abnormalities in the urinary tract: These may be caused by genetic or birth defects, which can eventually result in kidney failure due to a reduction in normal kidney function.

Request an appointment

Understanding the kidney transplant procedure:

If a suitable match is found from either a life or a cadaveric donor, a kidney transplant can be performed. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, and the patient’s blood oxygen level, blood pressure, and heart rate are continuously monitored by a team of surgeons, nurses, and anesthetists during the operation. The actual renal transplant process is as follows:

• An incision is made in the lower part of the abdomen on one side, and the kidney is placed inside.
• The failed kidneys are not removed unless they cause complications such as pain, infections, kidney stones, or hypertension; they are left in place.
• The new kidney’s blood vessels are attached to the blood vessels in the lower part of the abdomen, just above one of the legs.
• The ureter, a tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder and carries urine from the kidney into the bladder for storage, is attached to the patient’s bladder from the new kidney.

After the surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for a certain period. During recovery, they will require multiple check-ups, and they may need to take immunosuppressants and antibiotics for the rest of their lives.

Kidney transplant criteria and requirements

For someone with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), receiving a kidney transplant is a potential option. However, there are certain requirements and criteria that must be met to qualify:

The person must be in good health to withstand a significant surgery and lifelong medication regimen.

They must also be willing to adhere to the doctor’s instructions and take medication as prescribed.

If the individual has conditions such as cardiovascular disease, liver disease, cancer, or infections like hepatitis, tuberculosis, or bone infection, they may not be a suitable candidate for kidney transplantation as the new kidney is likely to fail after the transplant.

To increase the likelihood of a successful transplant, the person should not smoke or consume alcohol or drugs.

The doctor will conduct an assessment to determine if the individual is a suitable candidate for a successful kidney transplant. Individuals who are of advanced age, have a mental illness, or struggle with alcohol or drug addiction may not be suitable candidates for a transplant.

Request an appointment

Road To Recovery and Aftercare:

Following a kidney transplant, patients need to stay in the hospital for several days to monitor the functioning of the new kidney and ensure that their body is not rejecting it. Even if they feel well enough to leave, patients may have to remain in the hospital for one to two weeks.

The new kidney may start working immediately, or it may take several weeks to begin functioning correctly. Kidneys donated by family members typically start working faster than those donated by unrelated or deceased donors. Patients may experience pain around the incision site as the healing process begins.

After a kidney transplant, patients are prescribed immunosuppressant medication to prevent rejection of the new kidney. It is crucial to strictly adhere to the instructions given for aftercare and medication routine. The doctor will also advise on the level of physical activity that the body can handle while in recovery.

In addition to the patient, the donor’s diet must change after the transplant to maintain a healthy body. The doctor will specify the types of foods to eat or avoid. The recommended diet and nutrition plan may include:

• Consuming a minimum of 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily
• Incorporating enough fiber in the diet
• Avoiding fruits such as grapefruit that can affect the function of immunosuppressant drugs
• Including dairy products to maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus
• Incorporating lean meat, fish, and poultry
• Following a low-salt and low-fat diet
• Drinking enough water and fluids daily to remain hydrated

Once the patient has recovered, it is important to make moderate exercise a part of their daily routine to ensure they stay healthy and that the new kidney functions properly. Activities such as walking, jogging, or swimming can be incorporated into their lifestyle after the transplant. However, it is essential to consult with a doctor before starting any exercise post-transplant.