What is the role of Kidney in your body? What is Kidney Transplantation?

Kidneys are bean-shaped organs in a pair. They are located in the lower abdomen, one on either side of the vertebral column. Kidneys perform the task of filtering the toxic wastes from the blood and thus helps in eliminating it in the form of urine. Kidneys, when affected, loses out the potential to filter the blood and thus the life of an individual is affected.

Kidney transplantation, also known as the renal transplant, is a complex procedure that involves transplant of a single healthy kidney in the body of the patient, in place of one or both defective kidneys. Kidney plays a vital role in the human body. There paired organs carry out the filtration process and help with the excretion of all the waste material and toxins from the body.

When the function of these organs is impaired in the body, no filtration takes place. As a result, all the toxins, waste material and fluids start to accumulate in the body. This, in turn, leads to kidney failure, and kidney transplant is conducted.

Why do people go for Kidney Transplant?

Kidney Transplant is done when both the kidney stops functioning. People even go for Dialysis, but that's not a cure. That's the clinical purification of blood, as a substitute for the normal function of the kidney. In addition, both the categories of patients – with history or no history of dialysis – can undergo kidney transplant. However, there are certain limitations to who all are eligible for this form of treatment.

The permanent cure for it is Kidney Transplantation i.e. replacing the damaged Kidney with a new healthy one. The most suitable and reliable form of treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is kidney transplant. The need for kidney transplant, in fact, does not depend on the type and nature of cause that led to kidney failure.

Why Kidney Transplant in India?

The cost of kidney transplant in India is one of the major reasons why patients decide to travel thousands of miles to get treated in the country. India boasts its high quality of medical treatment that can be available at an extremely affordable cost.

India is home to numerous highly skilled medical experts who are trained and educated from abroad and have great experience in handling all sought of emergencies. Moreover, these doctors put their patients before their personal monetary gain and this is the reason why patients can seek high-quality treatment at a cheaper cost as compared to other Western countries.

Not everyone with Kidney dysfunction is eligible to undergo Kidney Transplant?

Patients with reduced heart-lung function and life-threatening medical conditions such as infections, diseases related to the liver, heart and lung and cancer. In addition, people with active infections such as hepatitis and those who follow unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and drug addicts are not allowed to undergo kidney transplant. It could be dangerous with lot many complications for a person to undergo kidney transplantation with such health issue

What is done before surgery?

Diagnosing is the first step before any surgery or action. Certain blood tests, heart tests are done to check the overall health status. Also, the donor, if living may also be screened to check is he/she eligible to donate the kidney.

A thorough evaluation is carried out by the transplant team, which may include the chief surgeon, the supporting surgeons and other doctors and investigators.

How is Kidney Transplant performed?

Patients are first given general anaesthesia before the actual procedure to keep them in a resting state. Next, an incision is made into the abdominal area to place the new kidney in the abdomen. The added kidney is then connected to the vein and artery in the pelvis region.

Typically, the non-functional kidney is left in its original position. They are removed only if they cause any complication, such as infection or hypertension. The kidney transplant typically lasts for about 3 to 4 hours.

What is done after Kidney Transplantation?

A series of blood tests and other diagnostic tests are conducted in the following weeks to check the recovery and the health status of the patient. Signs of rejection are constantly looked for and sometimes even urine tests are conducted to check for signs of rejection.

The patient is asked to take anti-rejection drugs. In addition, the patient and the family members are told how to monitor sugar levels and blood pressure regularly and report it to the doctor.

What are the best hospital for Kidney Transplantation in India?

India is considered as one of the best destination for various treatment with excellent success rate. Some of the best Kidney Transplant hospitals in India are:

1. Medanta – The Medicity

2. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals

3. Fortis Memorial Research Institute

4. Fortis Memorial Research Institute

5. Artemis Hospital