Understanding Kidney Transplants: Procedure and Recovery

Since its inception in 1954, kidney transplants have become some of the most performed surgeries in the world. A kidney transplant refers to placing a healthy kidney derived from a donor to a person whose kidney does not function properly. 

Kidneys are crucial in removing and filtering waste, fluids, and minerals from the body through urine. Improper functioning of the kidneys triggers harmful levels of waste within the body and raises blood pressure. Kidney failure treatments are very complex and require effective treatment assistance from the best doctors. While kidney failure is temporary and chronic (long-term), it has specific symptoms, such as 

SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY FAILURE:  

1. Nausea and vomiting 
2. Confusion or trouble vomiting 
3. Swelling (edema) around your hands, face, and ankles 
4. Cramps (muscle spasms)
5. Dry or Itchy skin
6. Loss of appetite 

STAGES OF KIDNEY FAILURE: 

Divided into five stages, kidney failure is measured through your Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). The eGFR measures how efficiently a person's kidneys filter substances. While a normal eGFR is 100, the lowest is 0. 

The five stages of kidney failure are: 

1. STAGE 1 - 90-100 eGFR (Kidneys are normal  
2. STAGE 2 - 60-89 eGFR (Kidneys are damaged but can be restored)
3. STAGE 3 - 30-59 eGFR (Kidneys are in severe condition)
4. STAGE 4 - 15-29 eGFR (Kidneys are nearing complete loss of function) 
5. STAGE 5 - 0-15 eGFR (Kidneys are at complete failure)  

TYPES OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS: 

Research indicates that biological siblings are the best candidates for transplants in case of kidney failure treatment. However, having a compatible or similar blood type is also a safe alternative. The two types of Kidney transplants are: 

·      DECEASED DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: 

A deceased donor refers to an individual who has recently passed away or causes non-related damaged organs. This ensures that the kidneys transplanted are not damaged and can function normally. The kidney is taken from a deceased person and surgically inserted into the patient. Patients should always consider the Best hospital for kidney transplants.  

·      LIVING DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: 

In this procedure, a kidney is taken from a living individual and surgically inserted within the patient. It is safer if the living donor is either a direct family member or a donor with a similar blood type to the patient. 

Beyond a higher success rate, a living donor is better for kidney failure treatment due to reduced waiting time and quicker functioning, 

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PROCEDURE: 

Prior to a kidney failure treatment, the patients and donors have to be approved on a case-to-case basis. They are tested for conditions such as: 

1. An underlying health condition due to which the donor/patient cannot be operated on 
2. Recurring (returning) infection 
3. Short-life expectancy 
4. Rampant Alcohol or drug usage.   

Once cleared, the surgeon places the new kidney received from the donor on the lower right or left side of the abdomen. Surgeons surgically connect the kidney to blood vessels to ensure smooth functioning. The veins and arteries of the patient's new kidneys are attached to veins and arteries, and the ureter is attached to the bladder to allow proper urination. 

While kidney failure treatment is considered lengthy, the transplant only requires 2-4 hours. The most critical component of a kidney transplant is getting the correct expertise. Patients are advised to choose the Best hospital for kidney transplants in their region.    

Established in 1982, Park Hospital ranks among India's best kidney transplant surgery hospitals. Offering treatment in 13 cities, Park Hospitals is renowned for its urology and nephrology departments that are committed to providing treatment for patients suffering from urinary disorders. Park Hospitals is home to the finest nephrology and urology professionals in India who carry out successful kidney failure treatments and assist patients, donors, and families through recovery.     

PARK HOSPITALS - KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECOVERY PROCESS: 

Park Hospital nephrologists and surgeons monitor the overall health of their patients after their kidney failure treatments. Patients require 8-12 weeks to recover and resume their work or education fully. During this process, parks hospitals nephrologists assist patients through: 

1. Monitoring after-treatment medication 
2. Extracting drug levels of (immunosuppressive) drugs as prescribed 
3. Avoid Polluted environment and eat healthily 
4. Monitor patient's blood sugar and blood pressure levels 

As one of the  Best hospitals for kidney transplants, Park Hospital also urges its patients to keep track of their urine output, fever, cough, blood pressure, or discomfort once discharged. Offering treatment in 13 cities Park hospitals should be the go-to destination for anyone seeking quality treatment, efficient recovery, and expert medical support.