A kidney transplant surgery is done when both the kidneys of a patient are damaged or are no longer able to perform their job. In such a case, a kidney transplant can be carried out with the patient’s consent to replace the impaired kidney with a healthy किडनी। A healthy kidney can be received from a healthy donor who is willing to donate their kidney. The donor can still lead a healthy life with just one kidney after the donation of the other one. Here is all you need to know about kidney transplants, such as their importance, who can donate a kidney, the risks involved, and much more.
Why a Kidney Transplant is Needed
The kidneys function to filter and remove waste from the blood in the form of urine. Along with this, the kidney performs many other functions to maintain the body’s overall health.
In the human body, a kidney transplant is only needed when the kidney suffers from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is a condition when a person’s kidney fails to perform its tasks permanently and is subjected to immediate dialysis.
ESRD can be caused by various reasons, including:
- Urinary infections
- Kidney failure due to diabetes
- Kidney failure due to high blood pressure
- Various diseases of the immune system
- Obstructions
However, there can be a lot of other reasons that can cause ESRD in the kidney. In such cases, an immediate kidney transplant is needed.
Criteria for Donating a Kidney
Even if a person is willing to donate their kidney, they must fulfill certain kidney transplant donor requirements.
- The age of a kidney donor must range between 18 and 65. The donor’s health must also be in good condition to be eligible for donation.
- The donor must pass certain medical evaluations that include blood tests, imaging studies, and several other tests to determine the perfect condition for donation.
- A potential donor must not have medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease.
- People addicted to smoking, who are regular smokers, or who are subjected to substance abuse are not eligible for kidney donation.
Benefits of Kidney Transplant
Undergoing a kidney transplant can be beneficial in many ways in cases where both kidneys are damaged. A study showed that being on dialysis was far less effective than having a kidney transplant. Therefore, if infected, a patient must undergo a kidney transplant as soon as possible.
Kidney transplants have a lot of other benefits as well. Once a kidney is transplanted, you can live a normal life again, walk, travel, eat, and enjoy life. A transplanted kidney gives you higher energy levels to work properly. Restrictions on your eating habits are lifted. In most cases, a transplanted kidney also increases a person’s fertility.
However, there are many risks associated with kidney transplants that you need to be aware of, as discussed in the next section.
Risks Involved in Kidney Transplant
Despite the fact that kidney transplants are beneficial to many, it cannot be denied that, in exceptional cases, a kidney transplant might prove to be risky. Here are certain risks involved with having a kidney transplant.
- The new kidney might start working instantly post-transplant, or there may be cases when it might take some time. In such a scenario, a patient has to remain on dialysis until the new kidney starts to work.
- Bleeding is a common risk associated with kidney transplants.
- Often, the transplanted kidney might not suit a patient’s body and cause an infection.
- Blockage of blood vessels may occur in the new kidney.
- Leakage of urine might occur upon transplantation of the kidney.
These are certain risks that might occur in rare cases. However, in most cases, these issues are taken care of by surgeons to ensure that a kidney transplant is safe and successful.
Precautions After a Kidney Transplant
Even after a successful kidney transplant, you must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that your body does not face any unwanted issues. Here are some precautions one must consider after having a successful kidney transplant.
- Follow your prescribed medication routine to help your kidneys return to normal.
- Get regular checkups to ensure that your kidney is working normally.
- Visit your doctor regularly post-transplant to help detect any transplant complications.
- Adopt a healthy diet.
- Stay hydrated, and avoid smoking and substance abuse.
- Try exercising to maintain a healthy body, low blood pressure, and improved sleep.
- Your sleeping position after the kidney transplant must be semi-reclined with pillows supported.
- Wrong sleeping position after kidney transplant might lead to unwanted casualties.
Conclusion
To conclude, kidney transplants are generally adopted in extreme cases where a patient’s kidney does not respond. Although preparing for a kidney transplant can be tough, it is necessary to undergo surgery to ensure a long and healthy life. Before considering a kidney transplant one must go through all the kidney transplant requirements and kidney transplant criteria to be assured of the entire process.
Post-transplant, if you face any complications, you must immediately consult your doctor and seek advice to ensure that your transplanted kidney works normally and you enjoy maximum life after kidney transplant.
