GetWellGo
New member
Kidney Transplant Surgery
Kidney Transplant Surgery is a lifesaving operation in which a damaged or non-working kidney is replaced with a normal kidney from a donor. It is usually advised for patients of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or extreme chronic kidney disease (CKD) when other therapies such as dialysis fail.
Types of Kidney Transplants:
Living Donor Transplant
Here is an in-depth explanation of the steps followed in kidney transplant surgery, from evaluation to recovery:
Pre-Transplant Evaluation
Both the recipient and the donor (if a living donor) undergo extensive medical evaluations prior to surgery for compatibility and readiness for surgery:
For the Recipient:
All the above, including:
Matching and Approval
Kidney Transplant Surgery Procedure
Following are the most notable advantages of kidney transplant surgery, particularly in comparison to long-term dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD):
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Improve d:
Here are key kidney transplant surgery recovery tips to ensure adequate healing, avoid complications, and ensure long-term success of the transplant:
Adhere to Hospital Discharge Instructions
GetWellGo is considered a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.
Kidney Transplant Surgery is a lifesaving operation in which a damaged or non-working kidney is replaced with a normal kidney from a donor. It is usually advised for patients of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or extreme chronic kidney disease (CKD) when other therapies such as dialysis fail.
Types of Kidney Transplants:
Living Donor Transplant
- Donor is a living individual (usually a relative or friend).
- Preferential based on improved results and shorter waiting lists.
- Kidney is obtained from someone who has just passed away.
- Needs to be put on a transplant waiting list.
Here is an in-depth explanation of the steps followed in kidney transplant surgery, from evaluation to recovery:
Pre-Transplant Evaluation
Both the recipient and the donor (if a living donor) undergo extensive medical evaluations prior to surgery for compatibility and readiness for surgery:
For the Recipient:
- Blood tests: Blood group, tissue typing (HLA), crossmatching.
- Imaging: CT scan, ultrasound, chest X-ray.
- Cardiac evaluation: ECG, echocardiogram, stress test.
- Infection screening: TB, HIV, Hepatitis B/C.
- Psychological assessment.
- Dental check-up (to prevent post-op infections).
All the above, including:
- Renal function tests.
- Kidney imaging (CT angiogram).
- Counseling and legal/ethical clearance.
Matching and Approval
- Donor and recipient blood type and tissue match must be compatible.
- Cross-match test to ensure no antibodies will reject the kidney.
- Ethical/legal approvals are received, particularly for unrelated or international donors.
Kidney Transplant Surgery Procedure
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthetics are used.
- Incision: Lower abdominal region (most often right or left pelvic area).
- Placement: New kidney is positioned in the lower abdomen (native kidneys typically left intact).
- Vascular Connection: Surgeon sutures the donor's renal artery and vein to the recipient's iliac artery and vein.
- Ureter Connection: Donor kidney's ureter is sewn onto the recipient's bladder.
- Catheters/drains: May be inserted temporarily to allow monitoring of urine and drainage.
- Closure: Surgical wound closed in layers.
- Duration: 3–5 hours usually.
- Monitoring: Vital signs, urine output, kidney function (creatinine, urea).
- Immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, steroids).
- Antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.
- Pain control.
- Fluid and diet.
- Mobility encouraged as early as 24–48 hours post-op.
- Hygiene education, rejection/infection signs, medication compliance.
- Daily follow-ups at first, then weekly/monthly.
- Routine lab tests: Kidney function, blood counts, immunosuppressant levels.
- Lifestyle and dietary modifications.
- Avoid infection, crowded areas, and raw foods for several months.
- Lifetime immunosuppressive therapy is needed.
Following are the most notable advantages of kidney transplant surgery, particularly in comparison to long-term dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD):
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
- Although the initial cost of medication and surgery is exorbitant, in the long run it is less expensive compared to years on dialysis.
- Most insurance plans and government health programs cover transplant expenses.
- Greater freedom to travel, work, and lead social life.
- Spare the time toll and physical wear of dialysis visits.
Improve d:
- Anemia and bone health.
- Appetite and nutrition.
- Cardiovascular status (long-term dialysis puts patients at risk for heart disease).
- Normalized kidney function allows toxins to be removed and blood pressure to be controlled effectively.
Here are key kidney transplant surgery recovery tips to ensure adequate healing, avoid complications, and ensure long-term success of the transplant:
Adhere to Hospital Discharge Instructions
- Take all medications exactly as directed, particularly immunosuppressants.
- Attend all follow-up visits—blood work and examinations are paramount in the first few weeks and months.
- Report symptoms such as fever, decreased urine, pain, or swelling at once.
- These prevent organ rejection and need to be taken for life.
- Take medicines at the same time each day.
- Never miss doses—even one skipped dose can cause rejection.
- Monitor side effects: infection, swelling, elevated blood sugar or blood pressure.
- Resume walking as recommended—typically after a few days of surgery.
- Don't lift heavy objects for 6–8 weeks.
- Resume light work gradually; Avoid rigorous exercise until approved by your doctor.
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute - Gurugram
- Medanta The Medicity - Gurugram
- Artemis Hospital - Gurugram
- Max Hospital - Delhi
- Apollo Hospital - Delhi
GetWellGo is considered a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.