Kidney transplant: how it works and what the risks are
Kidney transplantation aims to restore kidney function by replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a healthy, compatible donor.
- Kidney transplantation is usually used as a treatment for chronic kidney failure or for patients who have several hemodialysis sessions a week.
- The transplant usually lasts between 4 and 6 hours and is not very suitable for people who have lesions in other organs.
- Such as cirrhosis.
- Cancer or heart problems.
- As it can increase the risk of surgery.
Kidney transplantation is indicated by the nephrologist for multiple haemodialysis per week or, more often, advanced chronic kidney failure following laboratory tests of renal function.The transplanted kidney may come from a living donor, without any disease, and may or may not be related to the patient, or from a deceased donor, in which case the donation may only be made upon confirmation of brain death and family authorization.
The donor kidney is removed with part of the artery, vein, and ureter, through a small incision in the abdomen, so the transplanted kidney is placed in the recipient, the parts of the vein and artery connect to the veins and arteries.the recipient and the transplanted ureter is connected to the patient’s bladder. The transplanted person’s non-functional kidney is usually not removed because its malfunction is useful when the transplanted kidney is not yet fully functional. The diseased kidney is only removed if it causes an infection, for example.
Kidney transplantation is performed based on the patient’s health and is not very suitable for people with heart, liver or infectious diseases, for example, as it may increase the risk of surgery.
Blood tests should be performed prior to transplantation to check the compatibility of the kidneys, thus reducing the risk of organ rejection, so donors may or may not be related to the patient to transplant, provided there is compatibility.
Recovery after a kidney transplant is simple and lasts about three months, with the person being hospitalized for a week so that possible signs of reaction to the surgical process can be closely observed and treatment can be performed immediately., it is indicated not to perform physical activity and perform weekly examinations during the first month, spacing two consultations per month up to the 3rd month for the risk of organ rejection by the body.
Antibiotics are usually indicated after surgery to prevent possible infections and immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection, these medications should be used in accordance with medical advice.
Complications of kidney transplantation may include
To avoid serious complications, the patient should be alert to warning signs such as fever greater than 38 degrees Celsius, burning sensation when urinating, weight gain in a short time, frequent cough, diarrhea, shortness of breath or swelling, heat and redness at the site of In addition, it is essential to avoid contact with sick people and contaminated places and to bring adequate and adequate food.Learn how to eat after a kidney transplant.