A Comprehensive Guide to Kidney Transplant Treatment

A kidney transplant is a surgery where a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is placed into someone whose own kidneys aren't working properly. The kidneys, shaped like beans and located on each side of the spine below the ribs, normally filter waste and fluid from the blood to make urine.

The kidney performs several important functions in the human body. Even slight damage to the kidneys can, therefore, cause a lot of problems. When the kidney is rendered incapable of its main function, that is, removal of waste products from the blood, a condition called uremia develops.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of this condition do not develop unless 90 percent of the kidney is damaged. This is the time when an individual would require kidney transplantation surgery or dialysis to restore normal functioning.

Several other kidney diseases warrant the need for a kidney transplantation. Some of these conditions include the following:

Deep-rooted problems in the anatomy of the urinary tract
Extremely high blood pressure
Glomerulonephritis
Polycystic kidney disease
Diabetes mellitus

Some of the common symptoms observed in the case of kidney diseases include the following:

Shortness of breath and general fatigue
Retention of fluid causing swelling (edema)
Foamy and dark orange, brown, red, or tea-colored urine
Increased frequency of urination
Back pain
Restless legs and inability to sleep due to leg cramps
Metallic taste
Breathing problems due to urea build-up in the blood
Loss of appetite
Numbness in the toes or fingertips and tingling sensation
Problem concentrating

Before getting a kidney transplant, the doctors will check if you meet the requirements for the transplant center. They will look at whether you are healthy enough for surgery, can handle the medications after the transplant, and don't have any health issues that might affect the success of the transplant. You need to be willing and able to follow the advice of the transplant team.

This evaluation process takes a few days and involves a thorough

Physical check-up
Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs
Blood tests
Psychological evaluation

Your doctor may also recommend other tests if needed. After the evaluation, the transplant team will discuss the results with you and let you know if you are approved for a kidney transplant. Remember that each transplant center has its own rules, so if one says no, you can apply them to others.

Post-surgery, Patients are required to spend several days to weeks in the hospital depending upon the situation, Healthcare professionals monitor the conditions in the recovery area to observe any signs of complications.

Patients also have to be in frequent follow-up sessions for a few weeks after hospital discharge. You may be required to have a blood test several times a week.

Immunosuppressive agents that fight rejection prevent this from happening. These medications have been prescribed by doctors to transplanted patients for their lifetime. The kidney transplant success rate is challenged if these medications are stopped. A combination of drugs is usually recommended.

The patient is encouraged to take small steps and start walking and moving a bit. The kidney transplant recovery period lasts for around two to three weeks after the surgery, after which the patient may return to normal life.