Thorough Evaluation: Before a kidney transplant, patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess their overall health, the severity of their kidney disease, and the suitability for transplant. This includes extensive testing, imaging, and consultations with the transplant team.
Finding a Donor: Transplant patients need to either find a living donor, usually a family member or close friend, or be placed on a waitlist for a deceased donor kidney. The donor and recipient must be carefully matched to ensure compatibility and minimize the risk of rejection.
Transplant Surgery: The kidney transplant surgery itself typically takes 3-4 hours. The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen, and the patien...
Thorough Evaluation: Before a kidney transplant, patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess their overall health, the severity of their kidney disease, and the suitability for transplant. This includes extensive testing, imaging, and consultations with the transplant team.
Finding a Donor: Transplant patients need to either find a living donor, usually a family member or close friend, or be placed on a waitlist for a deceased donor kidney. The donor and recipient must be carefully matched to ensure compatibility and minimize the risk of rejection.
Transplant Surgery: The kidney transplant surgery itself typically takes 3-4 hours. The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen, and the patient's own kidneys are usually left in place unless they are causing complications.
Post-Op Care: After the surgery, patients require intensive monitoring and care in the hospital for several days. They will need to take immunosuppressant medications lifelong to prevent rejection of the new kidney.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Kidney transplant recipients must make significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, regular exercise, and close medical follow-ups. Careful management of the transplanted kidney is crucial for its long-term success.
With thorough preparation, a skilled transplant team, and commitment to post-operative care, most kidney transplant patients can look forward to an improved quality of life and greater independence from dialysis. Understanding these key factors helps set realistic expectations for the transplant journey.
