Kidney transplants are life-saving procedures for people with severe kidney failure, but many people don't fully understand what they involve or why they're so important. Increasing public awareness about kidney transplants can save lives and improve the quality of life for countless individuals. We spoke to our expert Dr Pragnesh Desai, Principal Consultant, Urology, Kidney Transplant, Robotic Surgery, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, who explained this procedure, who can donate and the associated risks and complications
What is a Kidney Transplant?
“A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into someone whose kidneys are no longer working properly. Kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, turning them into urine. When kidneys fail, dangerous levels of waste can build up in the body, leading to serious health problems or death,” said Dr Desai.
According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), when you receive a kidney transplant, a healthy kidney is placed inside your body to take over the functions your kidneys can no longer perform. On average, a kidney from a living donor lasts about 15-20 years, while a kidney from a deceased donor lasts around 8-12 years. Some transplants may last longer, while others may not last as long.
Also Read: Diabetes May Cause Kidney Disease: Expert Explains Their Connection And Lists Lifestyle Tips
Why Are Kidney Transplants Needed?
“Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are the main reasons someone might need a kidney transplant. These conditions can result from diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues. When kidneys stop working, patients typically have two options: dialysis or a kidney transplant,” added Dr Desai.
Dialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to do the work of the kidneys, but it can be time-consuming and exhausting. A kidney transplant, on the other hand, can offer a better quality of life and more freedom.
Transplant candidates must be healthy enough for the surgery and committed to taking daily medications to care for the new kidney Many older adults or those with other health conditions, such as diabetes, can still have successful kidney transplants, as stated in NKF.
Who Can Donate a Kidney?
Living Donors
A healthy person can choose to donate one of their kidneys. The remaining kidney can take over the job of both, allowing the donor to live a normal, healthy life. Living donors can include friends, family, and even strangers.
Deceased Donors
“Kidneys from people who have recently died can also be used for transplants. These donors are often individuals who have passed away suddenly but had previously agreed to donate their organs,” said Dr Desai.
Procedure Of Kidney Transplant
.jpg)
Evaluation
Patients needing a transplant undergo thorough medical evaluations to determine if they are good candidates. This includes tests to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery and can handle the medications needed after the transplant.
Finding a Match
“The next step is finding a donor whose kidney is a good match for the patient. This involves matching blood types and tissue types to reduce the risk of the body rejecting the new kidney,” added Dr Desai.
Surgery
Once a match is found, surgery is scheduled. The patient receives the new kidney through an incision in the lower abdomen. The transplanted kidney is connected to the patient's blood vessels and urinary system.
Recovery
After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for a few days to recover and make sure the new kidney is working properly. Regular follow-up visits are crucial to monitor the patient’s health and ensure the body is not rejecting the new organ.
Also Read: Kidney Transplant: Expert Shares Tips That You Must Follow Pre And Post The Surgery
Risks Of Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure wherein an individual with failing kidneys receives a healthy kidney from a donor and implants it into the patient. While it can offer a new lease on life for many people with kidney failure, there are risks and potential complications associated with the surgery and the use of immunosuppressant medications afterwards.
Firstly, the surgery itself carries risks, such as infection, bleeding, and complications related to anaesthesia. After the transplant, the recipient needs to take medications called immunosuppressants to prevent their body from rejecting the new kidney. “These medications weaken the immune system, which can increase the risk of infections and make it harder for the body to fight them off,” said Dr Desai.
Moreover, despite taking these medications, rejection of the new kidney can still occur, where the body recognises the new organ as foreign and tries to attack it. This may lead to symptoms like fever, swelling, and a decrease in urine output, and may require additional treatments or even another transplant.
Long-term complications of kidney transplant and immunosuppressant use include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and osteoporosis. These conditions can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and bone fractures over time.
Furthermore, the medications used to prevent rejection can have side effects, such as weight gain, acne, and mood swings, which can affect the recipient's quality of life. In some cases, these medications may also increase the risk of certain cancers, especially skin cancer.
How To Manage The Risks And Complications?
To minimise these risks, recipients need lifelong medical follow-up to monitor kidney function, manage medications, and address any complications that may arise. “Despite these potential risks, kidney transplant remains a life-saving treatment for many people with end-stage kidney disease, offering improved quality of life and the chance to return to a more normal daily routine”, highlighted Dr Desai.
How Can You Help?
- Register as an Organ Donor: Consider signing up to be an organ donor. This simple act can save many lives.
- Spread the Word: Share information about kidney transplants and organ donation with your friends and family.
- Support Organisations: Donate to or volunteer with organisations that support kidney health and organ donation.
By increasing public awareness, we can help more people receive the life-saving transplants they need and improve the overall health of our communities.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]