Kidney Transplant
What is Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly, a condition known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. The new kidney can come from a living donor (a family member or a compatible person) or a deceased donor. A kidney transplant is often considered when other treatments, like dialysis, no longer effectively manage kidney failure.
How to diagnose Kidney Transplant? When to consult a doctor?
A kidney transplant is usually considered when a person has end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or chronic kidney failure, where the kidneys can no longer function properly. To determine whether someone is a candidate for a kidney transplant, doctors perform several diagnostic steps: Medical History and Physical Examination, Blood Tests, Urine Tests, Kidney Imaging, Kidney Biopsy & Evaluation for Other Health Conditions.
You should consult a doctor if:
If you have been diagnosed with CKD or kidney failure, your nephrologist will monitor your condition and inform you if your kidney function is declining to the point where a transplant is needed. If your kidney function, measured by GFR, falls below 20 mL/min, you may be evaluated for a kidney transplant, even if you're not yet on dialysis. If you are already on dialysis, or dialysis has been recommended, it's crucial to consult a doctor about the possibility of a kidney transplant. Dialysis can manage symptoms, but it doesn’t cure kidney disease, and a transplant offers a better long-term quality of life.
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Causes
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Diabetes (Diabetic Nephropathy)
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Glomerulonephritis
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections or Kidney Stones
- Lupus Nephritis
- Congenital Kidney Disorders
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Swelling (Edema)
- Changes in Urination
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Itching
- Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating
- High Blood Pressure
- Metallic Taste in the Mouth
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients stay in the hospital for about a week following the surgery. Full recovery may take up to six weeks. Frequent follow-ups are required to monitor the functioning of the new kidney and adjust medications.
Patients must take immunosuppressive medications for life to prevent their immune system from rejecting the new kidney. These drugs help reduce the risk of rejection but increase the risk of infections and other side effects.
Risks include rejection of the donor kidney, infections, side effects from immunosuppressive medications, and complications from surgery such as bleeding or blood clots.
