20 Facts about Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is also known as renal transplantation. It is a medical procedure where a healthy kidney is placed within the body of the patient which takes on the job of the patient’s kidneys which have stopped working. Given below are some important facts about kidney transplantation.

1. It is performed on patients with end stage renal disease.
2. Common diseases like diabetes; infections; chronic, uncontrollable high blood pressure; Chronic glomerulonephritis which is the inflammation and eventual scarring of the tiny filters within your kidneys (glomeruli) and autoimmune conditions like lupus can cause end stage renal disease.
3. The symptoms of a kidney failure include reduction in the amount of urine, fatigue, disorientation, chest pain, nausea and bloating of legs, ankles & feet.
4. Donated kidneys mostly come from deceased donors. However, a patient can receive kidneys from consenting living donors like family member and close friends.
5. A donor can lead a normal, healthy life with a single kidney.
6. Any healthy person between the ages of 18 to 55 can donate their kidney.
7. A donated kidney is preserved and transported carefully in cool saline water. This helps the organ to stay preserved for as long as 48 hours.
8. Researches show that transplants in the early stages of kidney failure yield better long term results and a healthier quality of life.
9. Kidney transplant cost in India can cost around 10,000 USD. However, the cost greatly depends on the hospital and the treatment involved. It is advisable to stay equipped with medical insurances which help in taking care of the expenses. The price of kidney transplants in India is highly competitive when compared to other foreign countries.
10. Patients of all ages can enjoy the benefits of a kidney transplant.
11. The whole operation procedure takes about 4 hours.
12. The failure and rejection of the newly transplanted organ after the surgery is one of the biggest risks involved in the surgery.
13. Anti rejection medicines are a must after a kidney transplant. It must be taken at regular intervals without fail.
14. An acute rejection can take place at anytime during the first year of the transplantation.
15. A patient must maintain proper hygiene and be extra careful after their transplantation because they are most vulnerable to infections at this point as their immunity is lowered by the anti rejection medications.
16. A patient can lead a normal life with few to no restrictions after the transplant.
17. After the surgery the patient’s condition is monitored for several days in the hospital.
18. In certain cases, when the damage is lesser than 50%, a patient can survive for up to 4 years with his own kidneys with proper care, diet and medication.
19. A patient does not have to endure the pain and cost of their routine dialysis treatment after kidney transplantation.

1. The Indian government has very stringent policies when it comes to kidney transplantation in India. They try their best to put a stop to the illegal trade of organs with their strict laws. A legal committee evaluates every transplant case once it arrives at the hospital.