Kidney Transplant

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that places a healthy kidney from a donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly. It is a preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease and offers a better quality of life compared to dialysis.

Types of Kidney Transplants

Living Donor Transplant: Kidney from a living person (usually a relative or close friend)
Deceased Donor Transplant: Kidney from a person who has died (cadaveric donor)

When is a Kidney Transplant Recommended?

End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Chronic kidney failure unresponsive to treatment
Need for long-term dialysis

Pre-Transplant Evaluation

Patients undergo several assessments including:

Blood typing and tissue matching
Comprehensive blood tests
Imaging (X-ray, ECG, ultrasound)
Cardiac evaluations
Infectious disease screening

Surgical Procedure

Performed under general anesthesia
Incision made in the lower abdomen
Donor kidney placed in the pelvic area
Artery and vein of donor kidney connected to recipient’s blood vessels
Ureter attached to bladder
Old kidneys usually left in place unless they cause complications

Duration: 3–4 hours

Post-Operative Care

Close monitoring in ICU
Pain management
Gradual return to normal activities
Immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection
Regular follow-ups for kidney function tests

Risks and Complications

Rejection of the kidney
Infections due to immunosuppressants
Blood clots or bleeding
Urine leakage or blockage
Delayed function of the transplanted kidney

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can donate a kidney?
A: Anyone in good health, with matching blood/tissue type. Both living and deceased donors are viable options.

Q: What is the success rate?
A: Success rates are high—up to 95% for living donor transplants and about 85% for deceased donors.

Q: How long does a transplanted kidney last?
A: On average, 10–15 years or more with proper care.

Q: How long is the hospital stay?
A: Typically 5–10 days, depending on recovery and complications.

Q: Can kidney disease come back in the new kidney?
A: In rare cases, the original disease may recur, requiring close monitoring.

Q: Are lifestyle changes needed after transplant?
A: Yes—healthy diet, medications, hygiene, and regular follow-up are essential.