All You Need to Know About Kidney Transplant Surgery

A kidney transplant can be one of the most life-changing procedures you can undergo, but it’s not without risks and complications. If you’re interested in finding out more about what to expect from kidney transplant surgery and its recovery process, read on for all the information you need to know to make an informed decision about this potentially life-saving treatment option.

General Kidney Transplant Info

A kidney transplant is surgery done to replace a person's diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. The donor can be a living person or someone who has recently died. A kidney transplant is usually done when other treatments, such as dialysis, have not worked or are no longer working well. Patients who get a kidney transplant need to take anti-rejection medicines for the rest of their lives. Doctors will decide how long patients need to take these drugs based on the risks they face. The typical length of time that people live after getting a kidney transplant varies widely depending on many factors, including how sick they were before they got a new kidney; whether they had any other health problems before or after their transplant; and what type of transplanted organ they received (living vs deceased). Some people even outlive their new kidneys!

What Happens During the Surgery?

The first step is to remove the kidney from the donor. This is usually done through a small incision in the lower abdomen. Next, the surgeon will connect the blood vessels of the new kidney to those of the recipient. Once the new kidney is in place, it will be connected to the urinary system so that it can start filtering waste from the blood. Closing up the incisions is the last step. You will face some pain after surgery so it is pertinent that you follow your doctor’s instructions properly and take the prescribed medications they prescribe. For the transplant to work, you need to keep taking your medication for the rest of your life!

For diabetic patients, doctors at the kidney transplant hospital in Noida recommend an individualized diabetic meal plan designed by a registered dietitian experienced in diabetes care, which should include three meals per day plus snacks as needed; six servings per day of vegetables (two at each meal); two servings per day of fruit (one at each meal); five or more servings per day of grains (include some whole grains); four or more servings per day of protein foods (includes meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and soy products), and low-fat dairy products. In addition to these nutritional recommendations your medical team may recommend specific vitamins such as vitamin D3 10 mcg/day) or zinc 25 mg/day)

Life After the Kidney Transplant

After the kidney transplant, you will have to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of your life. These drugs help prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney. You will also need to see your transplant doctor regularly and have blood tests done to check how well your new kidney is working. It is important to follow all of your doctor's instructions and take care of yourself so that you can enjoy a long, healthy life with your new kidney.