Kidney Transplant Patients

Kidneys are vital organs in your body.  These are reddish-brown, bean-shaped, and help filter your blood. Kidneys are part of the urinary system and filter about 190 litres of fluid every day. Kidneys remove waste, which flushes out from your body as urine. If the kidney loses the ability to filter out waste, it causes end-stage chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, when you need a kidney transplant.

You should be aware of a few facts, including the kidney transplant cost, before going for transplantation.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a dysfunctional kidney in a person with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. Cadaveric renal transplant is a term used when a deceased donor’s kidney is used for transplant.

What is the cost of a kidney transplant?

Kidney transplant cost depend on various factors like the type of transplant, lab tests conducted, medications prescribed, post-operative complications and risks, patient age, hospital stay period, room category, etc.

In India, a kidney transplant costs between Rs. 5-8 lakhs approximately. After the surgery, it can cost Rs. 15,000 a month for aftercare and another Rs.10,000 a month for immunosuppressive drugs. However, the cost varies from city to city and hospital to hospital. Kidney transplant costs in Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata can be more than the cost in tier 2 cities like Jaipur.

What are the types of renal transplants?

1. Preemptive Kidney Transplant
2. Highly Antigenic Kidney Transplant
3. Re-Transplant and Transplantation in HIV-Positive patients
4. ABO-incompatible Kidney Transplant

Who is eligible for a kidney transplant?

Only a specialist can ascertain if you are eligible for a kidney transplant through various tests and the duration of treatment. There are various reasons for kidney failure, as it performs several functions. Below are a few conditions that may entail a kidney transplant-

1. Diabetes or high blood pressure usually causes CKD or chronic kidney disease, reducing kidney function.
2. Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer that causes kidney failure.
3. Renal failure.
4. Kidney infection.
5. Kidney stones.
6. Kidney (renal) cysts.
7. Polycystic kidney disease.
8. Acute or interstitial nephritis.
9. Diabetes-related nephropathy or hypertensive nephropathy.
10. Glomerular diseases.
11. Nephrotic syndrome.
12. Papillary necrosis.

What is the duration of the waitlist?

Once you register on the kidney transplant waitlist, you should make up your mind for a significant wait. At any given point, there will be approximately 95,000 peKidney Transplant Patientsople on the waiting list. The average wait time for a deceased kidney is 3 to 5 years. Any family members or friends interested in donating to you can contact your transplant centre. If you cannot find a donor through known groups and you are a transplant candidate, you will be placed on the transplant waiting list by the transplant centre.

You will need to work through your transplant centre or hospital to discuss other available options.

What are the precautions to be taken before kidney transplantation?

1. To prepare for your transplant, it’s essential to stay as healthy as possible, both mentally and physically.
2. Adhere to the prescribed diet.
3. Keep yourself active and do limited exercises as suggested by specialists.
4. Maintain a healthy weight and reduce if you are overweight to avoid any complications.
5. You or your loved ones might find it helpful to talk to a support group.
6. If you are a smoker, you must stop as soon as possible.
7. Quit drinking alcohol.
8. Take your medication as per the doctor’s advice.
9. Do not miss any kidney dialysis sessions.
10. If you are pregnant, you cannot receive a kidney transplant. Please consult your doctor for advice.
11. Control your cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure levels.
12. Discuss the risk for heart and blood vessel disease with a transplant specialist.
13. Talk to your physician regarding reducing the risk of cancer.
14. Avoid transfusion of blood and its products.

Transplant Procedure in short:

How should post-surgery care be?

There are a few must-do activities and precautions post-kidney transplantation-

1. Never forget to take your anti-rejection medications daily in the proper dosage and at the right times, as directed by your transplant team, to keep your body from rejecting your new kidney.
2. Always follow the suggested lab tests and clinic visits to ensure your kidney is working properly.
3. Walking up and down a few stairs is permitted. Avoid lifting more than 5 kgs for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

Conclusion:

You must be aware that there are certain risks associated with kidney transplants. Despite these risks, kidney transplantation may be the best treatment option for a person with chronic kidney disease or extreme renal disease. Be aware of the pre-and post-procedure safeguards along with kidney transplant costs and expenses post-surgery.

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