- How the transplant is done
- How is it assessed whether the transplant is compatible
- How is the postoperative
- Possible risks and complications
Kidney transplantation aims to restore kidney function by replacing a sick kidney with a healthy kidney, from a healthy and compatible donor.
Generally, kidney transplantation is used as a treatment for chronic renal failure or in the case of patients who have several hemodialysis sessions per week. The transplant usually lasts between 4 and 6 hours and is not very suitable for people who have lesions in other organs, such as cirrhosis, cancer or heart problems, as it can increase the risks of the surgical procedure.
How the transplant is done
Kidney transplantation is indicated by the nephrologist in cases of multiple hemodialysis per week or, more often, advanced chronic kidney disease after analysis of renal function through laboratory tests. The transplanted kidney may be from a living donor, without any disease, and may be related to the patient or not, or from a deceased donor, in which case the donation can only be made after confirmation of brain death and family authorization.
The donor kidney is removed along with a portion of the artery, vein and ureter, through a small incision in the abdomen. In this way, the transplanted kidney is placed in the recipient, the portions of the vein and artery are connected to the recipient's veins and arteries and the transplanted ureter is connected to the patient's bladder. The transplanted person's non-functional kidney is usually not removed, as its poor function is useful when the transplant kidney is not yet fully functional. The diseased kidney is only removed if it is causing infection, for example.
Kidney transplantation is performed according to the patient's health conditions, and is not very suitable for people who have heart, liver or infectious diseases, for example, as it can increase the risks of the surgical procedure.
How is it assessed whether the transplant is compatible
Before the transplant is carried out, blood tests should be done in order to check the compatibility of the kidneys, thus reducing the chances of rejection of the organ. Thus, donors may or may not be related to the patient to be transplanted, as long as there is compatibility.
How is the postoperative
Recovery after kidney transplantation is simple and lasts about three months, and the person must be hospitalized for a week so that possible signs of reaction to the surgical process can be observed closely and treatment can be done immediately. In addition, during the three months it is indicated not to perform physical activities and to perform weekly exams during the first month, spacing for two monthly consultations until the 3rd month due to the risk of organ rejection by the organism.
Antibiotics are usually indicated after surgery to avoid possible infections and immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection. These drugs should be used in accordance with medical advice.
Possible risks and complications
Some complications of kidney transplantation can be:
- Rejection of the transplanted organ; Generalized infections; Thrombosis or lymphocele; Fistula or urinary obstruction.
To avoid serious complications, the patient should be alert to warning signs that include fever above 38ºC, burning when urinating, weight gain in a short time, frequent coughing, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swelling, heat and redness at the site of wound. In addition, it is essential to avoid contact with sick people and polluted places and to make a correct and adapted diet. Learn how to feed after kidney transplantation.
