Kidney Transplantation
Overview
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a live or deceased donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly. This procedure is considered for those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition in which the kidneys lose about 90% of their ability to function normally.
Indications for Kidney Transplantation
Kidney transplantation is typically indicated for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have progressed to end-stage renal disease. This includes conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, and polycystic kidney disease.
Donor Selection
The selection of a suitable donor is a critical aspect of kidney transplantation. Donors can be living or deceased. Living donors are often relatives of the recipient but can also be altruistic strangers. Deceased donors are individuals who have died, often as a result of brain death, and whose families have consented to organ donation.
Surgical Procedure
The surgical procedure for kidney transplantation involves placing the new kidney into the lower abdomen where it is easiest to connect it to the important blood vessels and the bladder. The artery and vein of the new kidney are connected to the recipient's artery and vein. This creates a new blood supply for the kidney. The ureter, or tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, is then connected.
Post-Transplant Care
After a kidney transplant, patients are typically monitored in the hospital for a week to ensure the new kidney is functioning properly. They will need to take medications for the rest of their lives to prevent their immune system from rejecting the new kidney.
Risks and Complications
Like all surgeries, kidney transplantation carries risks. These include risks related to the surgery itself as well as the risk of rejection of the new kidney. Other potential complications include infection, bleeding, and damage to the surrounding organs.
Prognosis
The prognosis after kidney transplantation is generally good, with improved quality of life and longer survival compared to dialysis. However, the long-term success of kidney transplantation depends on many factors, including the source of the donor kidney, the recipient's health, and the recipient's adherence to post-transplant medications.