Kidney transplantation is a life-saving procedure that involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. Dr. Aditya Sharma offers expert kidney transplant services for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney failure.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is implanted into a patient whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. This procedure offers an alternative to long-term dialysis and improves both the quality of life and life expectancy for individuals with severe kidney disease.

Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where the kidneys lose the ability to filter waste from the blood. Some conditions that lead to ESRD include:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Progressive loss of kidney function over time.
• Diabetes: Leading to diabetic nephropathy, a major cause of kidney failure.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Causing damage to the kidneys over time.
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder causing cysts in the kidneys.

For patients with ESRD, a kidney transplant can offer greater freedom, improved energy levels, and better health compared to dialysis.

Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant

A deceased donor kidney transplant involves receiving a kidney from an individual who has passed away. These organs typically come from people who have consented to donate their organs before death, either through an organ donor card or by their family’s consent at the time of death. The kidney is then transplanted into a recipient whose own kidneys have failed.

Living Donor Kidney Transplant

A living donor kidney transplant involves the donation of a kidney from a healthy person, often a family member, spouse, or friend, but it can also come from altruistic donors (Good Samaritans). This type of transplant offers several advantages over a deceased donor transplant:

• Immediate Function: Kidneys from living donors generally start functioning immediately, whereas kidneys from deceased donors may take days or weeks.
• Planned Surgery: Living donor transplants can be scheduled in advance, providing preparation time for both the donor and the recipient.
• Lower Rejection Risk: If the donor is a blood relative, the risk of rejection is reduced.
• Shorter Wait Times: Since living donor kidneys are readily available, recipients may avoid the lengthy wait times associated with deceased donor kidneys, which can range from three to five years.

Who is a Good Living Donor Candidate?

The best living donors are typically biological siblings due to a high chance of compatibility. However, thanks to advancements in immunosuppressive medications, anyone with a compatible blood type can be considered. Healthy individuals aged 18-60 are usually eligible to donate, though each case is evaluated individually.

Living kidney donors must make the decision voluntarily, without coercion or compensation. The success rate of kidney transplants from unrelated living donors is nearly as high as those from related donors.

The Kidney Transplant Process

• Evaluation and Preparation: Before undergoing a kidney transplant, patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine if they are good candidates. This evaluation includes blood tests, imaging studies, and other health assessments to ensure the patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery. Our team also works to identify potential donor matches, whether from living or deceased donors.
• Transplant Surgery: The kidney transplant procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 3-4 hours. The surgeon places the donor kidney into the patient’s lower abdomen, connecting the blood vessels and ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder). The patient’s own failed kidneys are usually left in place unless they are causing complications.
• Post-Transplant Care: After the surgery, patients are monitored closely in the hospital for several days to ensure the new kidney is functioning properly and there are no signs of rejection. Long-term care includes regular follow-up visits, blood tests, and medication management to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney.

Immunosuppressive Medications

Following a kidney transplant, patients must take immunosuppressive medications to prevent their immune system from attacking the new kidney. These medications are essential for maintaining the health of the transplanted kidney and preventing rejection. Dr. Sharma carefully monitors each patient’s response to immunosuppressive therapy, adjusting medications as needed to minimize side effects while ensuring the kidney remains healthy.

Benefits of Kidney Transplant

Compared to dialysis, a kidney transplant offers several significant benefits, including:

• Improved Quality of Life: Patients can enjoy a more active, healthier lifestyle without the restrictions of dialysis.
• Increased Life Expectancy: Successful kidney transplants often lead to longer life expectancy compared to remaining on dialysis.
• Greater Freedom: Kidney transplant recipients are no longer tied to the time-consuming dialysis schedule, allowing more flexibility in daily activities.
• Better Overall Health: Many patients experience improved energy, appetite, and mental clarity after a successful transplant.

Recovery and Long-Term Success

After a kidney transplant, patients can usually return to normal activities within a few months, but careful monitoring is required for life. Regular check-ups, lifestyle adjustments, and adherence to the prescribed medication regimen are crucial for maintaining the health of the transplanted kidney.

Most kidney transplants are highly successful, with survival rates continuing to improve thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapies.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic kidney disease or are in need of a kidney transplant, Dr. Aditya Sharma is here to help. We provide expert care, from the initial evaluation through post-transplant recovery, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment.