Why Have a Kidney Transplant ?
A functioning transplanted kidney is about five times more effective in replacing overall kidney function than dialysis. A transplanted kidney removes wastes from the body and is better at maintaining the correct chemical balance. In addition, most transplant recipients are no longer anemic and are therefore less tired.

Having a properly functioning kidney means freedom from the time and travel restraints of dialysis. You will no longer spend several hours a day, three days a week at dialysis. Most people that have had a transplant say they feel better and have more energy and stamina than they did on dialysis. They are able to return to a more normal and active lifestyle, and most are able to return to school or work full time. Kidney transplantation offers many benefits, but it does have some limitations and risks. It is not always the right treatment option for everyone

Where does the Kidney come From ?
Donor kidneys come from two sources: living people or from someone that has died and whose family has consented that their organs be used for transplantation (also called a Cadaveric organ donor).

In a living donor transplant, a family member, spouse or a friend donates a kidney to the recipient. (Remember only one healthy kidney is needed to live a normal life and the donor will resume a totally normal lifestyle.) If a cadaver kidney is used, the kidney comes from a person who has sustained a lethal brain injury. The doctors taking care of this person have done special testing to determine that the individual is brain dead. Their family is informed, and given the opportunity to donate their loved one's organs.

Where do I Start ?
The process begins when your local nephrologists refers you to us for evaluation as a potential transplant candidate. The transplant team consists of all the people that will work together to make your transplant a success. The members include your local physician, a transplant nephrologists, a transplant surgeon, a transplant coordinator, clinic / dialysis nurse, immunologist, and pharmacist. Each has his or her role in determining if you are a suitable candidate for renal transplantation.

What are the Hospitalization and Surgery Like ?
Those who are having a transplant from a friend or family member will be able to schedule their transplant at a time convenient for the donor and the recipient. For someone on the transplant list, the call to go to the hospital for a transplant may come at any time.

Before you have your transplant you will have blood tests, a chest x-ray, and an EKG. If you have an active infection or any other significant health problem, the transplant may have to be postponed or cancelled. You will have an IV started to give you fluids since you are not allowed to eat or drink anything. After you arrive in the operating room, you will have a blood pressure cuff applied and you will be placed on a heart monitor. Recipients will have a large central vein IV placed and a foley catheter inserted once they are asleep. This IV will be used for several days to administer anti-rejection medication.

An incision is made in the lower abdomen. The surgical team will then attach the artery and vein of your new kidney to one of your arteries and veins, and they will attach the new kidney's ureter (the tube that carries urine to the bladder) to your bladder. If you still have one or both of your own kidneys, they will not be removed. The procedure should take about 4 hours to complete.

The surgery for living donor nephrectomy and kidney transplantation occurs at the same time. The kidney donor and recipient are in adjoining operating rooms. As the transplant surgeon is removing the kidney from the donor; a surgeon is preparing the recipient for transplantation of that kidney.

What are Some Possible Post-transplant Complications ?
A number of complications are possible after surgery. There is no way to predict for sure which patients will have which problems. Your transplant team will do their best to reduce your chance of having complications and to treat them right away if you have any. Following instructions carefully and keeping your transplant team informed of any problems will help you return quickly to a normal, active life

What is Rejection ?
Rejection is one of the most important concerns for renal transplant recipients. Acute rejection most commonly occurs within the first three months after transplantation, but it can also occur many months or years after transplantation.

You must understand that despite efforts to prevent rejection, it may still occur. Generally, rejection is treatable with medication and usually does not lead to loss of the kidney. However, for some patients, one or more rejection episodes or complete failure of a transplanted kidney can occur. It helps to understand just why your body might want to reject a transplanted kidney.

Your body's immune system protects you from infection by recognizing certain foreign bodies, like bacteria and viruses, and destroying them. Unfortunately, the immune system sees your new kidney as a foreign substance also. To prevent rejection, you must take anti-rejection medications, as prescribed, for the rest of your kidney's life.

In spite of all precautions, rejection can occur. Up to 20% of all kidney transplant patients will have at least one rejection episode, most of which can be successfully controlled with changes in immunosuppressive medications.


 

For Detailed Dossier on Dialysis & Kidney Transplant, please write to us at  mktg@mediescapes.com