What is a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a person whose own kidneys have failed receives a new kidney to take over the blood purification function. The surgery is classified as a major one but advancements in medicine have greatly improved the success rates and the acceptability of donors who would some years ago have been rejected. Kidney donations come from two sources: living donors and non-living donors. A living donor may be a family member, close friend or even a stranger who wishes to donate a kidney to anyone in need of a transplant.( In India donations by unrelated living donors require special approvals from the government). Deceased donor kidneys usually come from people who have willed their kidneys before their death. How is donor-patient kidney compatibility tested? What blood tests are performed to determine if a person is a compatible kidney donor? Blood type A simple blood test is performed to verify the blood type of the donor and the patient. Given below is a compatibility table: Donor blood type A B AB O Tissue typing Tissue typing is a blood test that evaluates the compatibility between the tissue of the donor and the patient. The human leukocyte antigen test, also known as HLA, is a test that detects antigens (genetic markers in white blood cells that trigger antibody production). The HLA test is used to verify tissue compatibility typing of tissue recipients and donors Siblings (brothers and sisters) usually have the best chance of being a perfect match (6 of 6 antigens). Recent developments in anti-rejection medications have cut down the occurrence of rejection in kidneys from unrelated donors Crossmatching Blood samples of the donor and the patient are allowed to mix in the laboratory. If the interface does not result in any cell damage, compatibility is indicated. On the other hand, if cells begin to die, the conclusion is non-compatibility. Patient blood type A or AB B or AB AB Any blood type: A, B, AB or O

If the blood tests indicate compatibility, the potential donor is examined to verity that his physical condition does not preclude the donation. Counseling is also provided. What are the risks of kidney transplantation? As with any surgery, the common risks are bleeding, infection, or breathing problems. The patient could be more prone to infections, as immune-suppression medication taken after transplantation lowers the bodys defence against infection. The specific risk is organ rejection. What is kidney rejection? Kidney rejection is caused when the bodys immune system recognizes the transplanted kidney as a foreign object and activates the bodys defence mechanism. The degree of rejection depends on a number of factors including the extent of mismatch between the donor and the patients tissues. Rejection is overcome by taking medications every day. Anti-rejection medications have possible side effects (high blood pressure, weight gain and a susceptibility to infections and tumors) because the body's immune system is suppressed. The side effects usually are manageable for most patients. The kidney transplant procedure Kidney transplant surgery usually lasts three to five hours. The damaged kidneys are usually left in place, with the new kidney being placed in the lower abdomen. The artery and vein of the new kidney will be attached to an artery and vein in the lower part of the abdomen, just above one of the legs. The new kidney's ureter, the tube that links the kidney to the bladder, will be connected to the bladder. The transplanted kidney may function immediately. In some cases the kidney begins to work only after a week or so. Soreness or pain around the surgery site is common.. The recovery time in the hospital is usually about seven days. We advise patients from outside of India to come prepared for a 10-12 week stay, postdischarge, in the city where the transplant is done. This is to facilitate routine dressings initially and for monitoring thereafter. What are the chances of a successful kidney transplant? With proper matching and appropriate medication, the chances of a successful transplant are good. A successful kidney transplant gives the patient strength and vitality. The patient can return to a close to normal diet and food intake. A more normal lifestyle and more independence in day to day activities is possible. Are kidney transplants done in India? Yes, kidney transplants are done exceptionally well at many hospitals in India. The success rates match international standards. Indian doctors have a wealth of experience in

kidney transplants owing to the large number of procedures done. We offer kidney transplants at five leading centres in India. Hospital costs : The total cost of the kidney transplant would be $ 13,000 to $ 30,000 depending on the ward category, extent of treatment, complications, etc. Hospital stay would be about 8 days for the donor, 15 days for the patient. The cost includes all hospital costs from the time of admission of the patient and the donor till the time of their discharge after the transplant. Accommodation outside the hospital : The patient will need to stay in an apartment near the hospital for about 2 weeks before the surgery and for about 8-10 weeks after the transplant. Accommodation in a furnished apartment starts at about $ 600 a month.

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Identify a donor from your country, preferable a relative Please investigate donor-patient compatibility in your country or a neighbouring country if possible. If not you can send us samples for HLA typing ( couriers may have restrictions). If this also is not possible, you will need to come to India for investigations Once compatibility is confirmed, both the patient and donor will be investigated for operability Transplant will take place after the above confirmations and completion of documentation relating to the donation of kidney ( We will need Government permission in cases where the donor and patient are not closely related) Medically speaking, we can organise a kidney transplant procedure at one of the best hospitals in India. The success rate is at world class levels. There are no legal issues if the donor is a close relative In cases where the donor is not a close relative, Govt. permission is necessary but may or may not be given depending on the circumstances of the case. . We do not organise donors for kidneys The total cost of the kidney transplant would be $ 13,000 to $ 30,000 depending on the ward category, extent of treatment, complications, etc Hospital stay would be about 8 days for the donor, 15 days for the patient. The patient will need to stay in an apartment near the hospital for 2 weeks before the surgery and for about 8-10 weeks after the transplant. Accommodation in a furnished apartment costs start at about $ 600 a month.

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