Kidney transplant

Overview

A kidney transplant involves surgically removing a functional kidney from a donor and placing it into someone whose own kidneys are not functioning properly. Kidneys for transplantation can come from living donors, such as immediate family members, spouses, or friends, as well as from deceased donors who have opted to donate their organs after death.

Prospective kidney donors undergo extensive screening to ensure compatibility, minimizing the risks associated with the transplant process. While most kidney transplant recipients are typically between 45 and 65 years old, there isn’t a strict upper age limit. However, for optimal outcomes, doctors often seek donors who are closely matched in age to the recipient.

In some cases, individuals may undergo multiple kidney transplants throughout their lives, ranging from two to four procedures. Your doctor can offer guidance and assess whether multiple transplants are a viable option based on your specific medical situation.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

The purpose of kidney transplants is to assist individuals experiencing chronic kidney disease or reaching end-stage renal (kidney) failure. When the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste, patients are left with the option of undergoing either dialysis, a process that employs a machine to eliminate waste from the bloodstream, or opting for a kidney transplant.

Risks

Kidney transplantation involves risks common to surgical procedures, like potential bleeding, infection, or respiratory complications. After transplantation, patients may experience medication side effects and an increased susceptibility to infections due to the immunosuppressive drugs, which reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.

Kidney transplant rejection

Since the new kidney is recognized as foreign by your body, there’s a natural tendency for it to potentially trigger rejection. However, preventive medications are given to prevent this rejection.

Thanks to significant experience, research, and advances in anti-rejection medications, kidney transplants have become remarkably successful, typically resulting in minimal complications after the procedure.

Before the procedure

Every hospital establishes its specific criteria for accepting individuals as candidates for kidney transplants. However, generally, potential recipients should meet the following requirements:

• End-stage renal failure and be on dialysis.
• Late-stage chronic kidney disease, addressing the requirement for dialysis.
• An anticipated life expectancy of at least five years.
• A thorough understanding of postoperative instructions and care.

During the procedure

The procedure of kidney transplantation entails the implantation of a healthy kidney into your body, enabling it to carry out the functions that a failing kidney cannot perform.

The new kidney is positioned on either the lower right or left side of your abdomen, where it is surgically linked to nearby blood vessels. Placing the kidney in this location facilitates its connection to blood vessels and your bladder. The vein and artery of the new kidney are affixed to your own vein and artery. Additionally, the ureter of the new kidney is attached to your bladder, allowing the passage of urine out of your body.

Typically, kidney transplant surgery requires approximately two to four hours for completion.

After the procedure

After undergoing a kidney transplant, individuals typically stay in the hospital for approximately three days. During this time, the medical team closely monitors your recovery progress to ensure a smooth postoperative period.

The functionality of your newly transplanted kidney may commence immediately, or you might require temporary dialysis until it becomes operational. This transition could take several days or weeks.

Furthermore, it is essential to initiate a medication regimen to prevent your immune system from rejecting the newly transplanted kidney.

The scar resulting from the surgery will measure approximately 2 to 5 inches in length, positioned on either the right or left side of your lower abdomen.

The duration of a kidney transplant’s efficacy varies from individual to individual. Generally, kidneys donated by living donors tend to have a longer lifespan compared to those donated by deceased. On average, transplanted kidneys typically last around 10 years.

Outcome

The typical recovery period after a kidney transplant averages around six weeks, but this varies based on individual health and other factors.

Many kidney transplant recipients can return to work within a few months post-surgery, although this timing can vary. Discuss with your surgeon and expect to receive a “return to work” letter closer to that time, outlining any necessary accommodations or limitations.

Many individuals thrive for many years following a kidney transplant. Typically, a kidney from a living donor lasts approximately 12 to 20 years, while one from a deceased donor averages about eight to 12 years. Some people may undergo multiple kidney transplants during their lifetime.

A kidney transplant enables you to lead a normal and fulfilling life. Many recipients enjoy good health long-term. Currently, the one-year survival rate for kidney transplants is 95%, with an average three- to five-year survival rate of 90%, indicating that nine out of ten people who undergo kidney transplantation will survive for at least five years after their surgery.

Survival rates are general estimates and may not predict individual treatment responses or lifespan. For specific information on survival rates, it’s best to consult your doctor.