Kidney Transplant
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is placed into a person with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or chronic kidney failure. This life-saving procedure helps restore kidney function, eliminating the need for dialysis and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) – When kidneys function at less than 15% capacity.
- Chronic kidney failure – Due to conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or polycystic kidney disease.
- Severe kidney damage – From infections, autoimmune diseases, or congenital disorders.
Types of Kidney Donors
1. Living Donor Transplant
- A healthy person (often a family member or friend) donates one kidney.
- Advantages:
- Better compatibility (lower rejection risk).
- Shorter waiting time.
- Higher success rates.
2. Deceased Donor Transplant
- Kidneys are taken from a brain-dead donor.
- Patients are placed on a national waiting list (e.g., UNOS in the U.S.).
- Waiting time varies (months to years) based on blood type, tissue match, and medical urgency.
Risks and Complications of Kidney Transplant
1. Surgical Risks
- Bleeding, blood clots, or infection.
- Urinary leakage or blockage.
2. Rejection of the Donor Kidney
- Acute rejection (occurs within weeks/months).
- Chronic rejection (gradual decline over years).
- Managed with immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus, mycophenolate).
3. Side Effects of Immunosuppressants
- Increased infection risk.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis).
4. Long-Term Complications
- Recurrence of original kidney disease.
- Cancer risk (due to immune suppression).
Alternatives to Kidney Transplant
- Dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).
- Conservative management (for non-transplant candidates).