Kidney Transplantation in Bangalore

Treatment is provided for disorders like kidney stones, kidney failure, bladder stones, diseases of the prostate gland, male infertility, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence and more…

Kidney Transplant

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure employed to replace a malfunctioning kidney with a healthy kidney acquired from a deceased or living donor. Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, is the leading kidney transplant medical institute that has performed many successful transplants. We offer world-class facilities & latest medical equipment, which aid in the success of this procedure.

Why is a Kidney Transplant required?

The main function of the kidneys is to filter the waste from the blood by producing urine. When kidneys stop functioning properly, they lose their ability to produce urine. This leads to the accumulation of harmful levels of fluids and waste in the body, which can result in kidney failure.

You may need a Kidney Transplant if you are suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which is a permanent condition. End-stage renal disease is caused when your kidneys lose 90% of their ability to function normally. Many people opt for dialysis, which is a machine attached to their bodies to remove waste. It is suggested to prefer a kidney transplant over dialysis due to the following reasons:

• Lower Death Risks
• Lower Treatment Costs
• Better Quality of Life
• Fewer Dietary Restrictions

The kidneys to be transplanted can come from a living donor or a deceased person who has elected to donate their organs after death. The kidney donors are tested and screened carefully to ensure that they are a proper match. This is important to avoid any future complications.

What are the Requirements of a Transplant?

Not every patient is recommended to go for a kidney transplant. Different hospitals have different criteria for accepting patients as potential kidney recipients. Generally, the following are the most likely situations in which a patient can undergo a kidney transplant:

• A life expectancy of five years
• End-stage renal failure and have already been on dialysis
• Late-stage chronic kidney disease

The patient should have a complete understanding of postoperative care and lifestyle changes.

In what situations can a patient not get a kidney transplant?

Some factors that can make a patient ineligible for a kidney transplant are as follows:

• Short Life Expectancy
• A serious health condition which makes a surgical procedure very dangerous.
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse
• Recurring Infection

What is the Ideal Age for a Kidney Transplant?

There is no upper age limit for kidney transplant patients. However, most patients undergoing a kidney transplant are between the ages of 50 to 70 years. Your healthcare provider looks for a donor who is around your age to get the best results out of surgery. Only one kidney is needed to replace two failed kidneys.

What happens during the procedure?

The kidney transplant is performed with general anaesthesia. Hence, you are not awake or conscious during the procedure. The surgical team keeps a check on your Blood Pressure (BP), heart rate, and blood oxygen levels during the procedure.

Here is a brief of what happens during this surgical procedure.

• The expert kidney surgeon will make an incision in the lower part of your abdomen and place the new kidney into your body. If your kidneys have complications such as kidney stones, they are removed, or else they are left in place.
• The blood vessels of the kidney are attached to the blood vessels in the lower part of your abdomen.
• The ureter of the new kidney is connected to the bladder.

What can you expect after the procedure?

Spend a few days in the Hospital: You will be monitored by the medical staff at Apollo Hospitals for any signs of complications. Usually, your new kidneys will start working immediately after the procedure. However, in some cases, it may take several days, and they are kept on dialysis until their kidneys start functioning normally. Most kidney transplant recipients can resume their normal activities after eight weeks.

Frequent checkups and hospital visits: After you have been discharged from the hospital, close monitoring is needed to ensure that your body is accepting the new kidney well. You may need to undergo many tests and medical examinations to check for any signs of complications. Your medications and lifestyles will be adjusted accordingly.

Take Medications: You will have to take a number of medications after your kidney transplant. Immunosuppressant drugs are given to stop your immune system from attacking the new kidney. Other medications are given to reduce the risks of infections, high blood pressure, etc.

Risks of a Kidney Transplant

On average, a kidney acquired from a living donor lasts for about 12-20 years, and the kidneys from a deceased person last from 8-10 years. Though kidney transplantation can treat kidney failure and risky kidney diseases, some forms of kidney diseases can reoccur after the transplant. The main risk is associated with the surgery and rejection of the donor organ. There are certain side effects of anti-rejection medicines.

Comprehensive medical examinations & tests are conducted at the Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, to be sure of everything before deciding to perform a kidney transplant. Our highly qualified team of surgeons and certified medical staff ensure that the patient receives world-class treatment & care to reduce the risks as much as possible. Proper diet and nutrition, and exercise are some of the top aspects that help in fast recovery.