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Did you know that approximately 1.43 million people worldwide died from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in 2019? This figure represents a substantial increase from 591,800 deaths in 1990.
Kidney failure has become one of the most common life-threatening diseases, and transplants have emerged as a life-saving procedure for those suffering from this condition. Although the success rate of kidney transplants varies depending on the type, they are still considered a viable treatment option for kidney failure.
In this blog, we will discuss kidney transplants, their types, the procedure, potential complications, and life after the procedure. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What is a Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure involving the placement of a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into the recipient's body to replace the damaged kidneys. It is often the most crucial treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease after dialysis.
While dialysis uses machines to filter waste products from the bloodstream, kidney transplants aim to restore kidney function, enabling successful waste filtration and fluid balance in the body. On average, transplanted kidneys last for approximately 10 years.
Types of Kidney Transplants
There are mainly two types of kidney transplants:
Living Donor Kidney Transplant
A living donor kidney transplant involves replacing the damaged kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor who is still alive. Common living donors include immediate family members, partners, spouses, or friends of the patient.
Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant
In a deceased donor kidney transplant, the malfunctioning kidneys of the patient are replaced with the kidneys of someone who has died of a cause unrelated to kidney failure. Individuals who wish to become organ donors after their death make this decision while they are alive. Additionally, permission for donation may be given by their family members after their death.
Note: Living kidney donor transplants have a higher success rate and a lower chance of rejection.
Requirements for Kidney Transplants
The criteria for accepting individuals as kidney transplant recipients vary depending on the hospital. However, the general criteria include:
- Being in a good physical and mental state with strong social support
- End-stage renal failure and undergoing dialysis
- A thorough understanding of post-procedure care
- CKD with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than or equal to 20 ml/min
- The patient being healthy enough to undergo surgery
- Absence of medical conditions that could interfere with the procedure
- Willingness to take post-transplant medications and follow the transplant team's suggestions
Procedure of Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant involves placing the healthy kidney in the lower right or left side of the recipient's abdomen, where it is surgically connected to the surrounding blood vessels and bladder.
During the procedure, the artery and vein of the new kidney are connected to the recipient's corresponding artery and vein, and the kidney's ureter is connected to the recipient's bladder, facilitating the passage of urine.
Risk Factors of Kidney Transplants
Some of the common risk factors associated with kidney transplant include:
- Rejection of the donated kidney
- Death, heart attack and stroke
- Infections or cancer passed on from the donated kidney
- Blood clots and bleeding
- Blockage or leak from the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, the ureter
- Side effects of anti-rejection medications, which prevent the body from rejecting the donated kidney, can include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excessive hair growth or loss, diabetes, bone thinning, and bone damage
Note: Other common side effects include weight gain, puffiness and acne
Factors to Consider While Choosing a Kidney Transplant Centre
Here are key factors to consider when selecting a transplant center:
- Number and type of kidney transplants performed by the centre each year
- Survival rate of the transplants
- Other services provided by the transplant center include support groups, travel arrangements, and local housing options during the recovery period
- Use of the latest technologies and techniques by the transplant centre
- Expenses arising before, during, and after the transplant, including tests, organ acquisition, surgery, hospital stay, and transportation for the procedure and follow-up appointments
Success Rate of Kidney Transplant in India
Over the years, India has established itself as a leading destination for kidney transplants, with a one-year survival rate of 95% with a long-term graft survival rate ranging from 75% to 85% over five years. Notably, transplants from living donors have yielded better outcomes, with one-year survival rates of more than 90%.
These strong success rates are supported by skilled medical professionals and modern infrastructure, making India a preferred choice for domestic and international patients.
Life After Kidney Transplant
Typically, after a kidney transplant, patients spend three to four days in the hospital for close monitoring and recovery. The new kidney may begin functioning immediately or take several days to weeks, potentially requiring temporary dialysis.
During this period, doctors thoroughly monitor kidney function by performing regular blood tests and managing post-surgical pain. Considering the possibility of your immune system rejecting the new kidney, immunosuppressive medicines are started.
It is common to experience anxiety and mood changes during this period. Therefore, support groups and counseling are recommended. While patients recover at their own pace, it is important to follow a kidney-friendly diet, incorporate physical exercise into their routine, and avoid tobacco products.
Read More : Does Health Insurance Cover Kidney Transplants?
Plan with Care Health Insurance
We live in a fast-paced world where it’s highly common to develop lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These diseases further increase the risk of kidney failure. Fortunately, the advancement in medical science has given us the gift of transplants. It's also important to stay prepared with enough financial resources to support the treatment procedure.
With Care Health Insurance’s critical illness plan, you receive comprehensive coverage for pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, inpatient care, dialysis and ambulance costs. So, you can rest assured during your treatment and focus on living a better life while we take care of your medical bills.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
