Renal Rebirth: The Miracles of Kidney Transplants
Kidney transplant
A kidney transplant, also known as a renal transplant, offers a solution for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) by replacing failed kidneys. It involves a major surgical procedure where a patient receives a healthy kidney. A kidney transplant may be from a living donor or a deceased donor. A successful kidney transplant is closest to natural kidney function, and a kidney transplant is the most effective treatment for ESRD. A kidney transplant provides a chance for a longer, healthier life. Family members or others who are a suitable match may donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is a living transplant. A person who donates a kidney can live a healthy life with one healthy kidney. Usually, a person who receives a kidney transplant only receives one kidney. In rare circumstances, a patient may receive two kidneys from a deceased donor. Surgeons usually transplant the diseased kidneys left in place. They place the transplanted kidney in the lower belly on the front side of the body.
You may need a kidney transplant if you have last-stage renal disease (ESRD). A kidney transplant is a permanent condition for kidney failure. A kidney transplant often needs dialysis to remove waste and other substances from the blood.
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What is the vital role of the kidney in our body mechanism?
The function of the kidney in our body is as mentioned below.
- The kidneys remove urea and liquid waste from the blood as urine. We make urea when foods containing protein, such as meat, poultry, and certain vegetables, get broken down in the body. The kidneys carry urea in the blood to the kidneys.
- Balance salts, and electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and other substances in the blood
- The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that enhances the formation of red blood cells.
- The kidneys regulate blood pressure.
- The kidneys regulate fluid and acid-base balance in the body to keep it neutral. We need this for the normal function of many processes within the body.
Other conditions of the kidneys that may cause ESRD include:
- Recurrent UTIs
- Kidney failure caused by severe diabetes or high blood pressure
- Polycystic kidney disease and other genetic disorders
- Glomerulonephritis occurs as an inflammation of the filtering units of the kidney.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare disorder
- Lupus and other renal conditions of the immune system
- Ureteral obstruction by a blockage prevents urine transport from your kidneys to your bladder.
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What happens during the kidney transplant procedure?
- Kidney transplantation involves inserting a healthy kidney into the body, where the healthy kidney can perform all the functions that the failing kidney cannot.
- Surgeons place the new kidney on the lower right or left part of the abdomen. Surgeons perform connections to nearby blood vessels.
- Placing the kidney in this position connects to blood vessels and the bladder.
- Surgeons attach the veins and arteries of your new kidney to your veins and artery.
- The new kidney's ureter gets attached to your bladder, allowing urine to pass your body.
What are the advantages of a kidney transplant?
You gain strength, stamina, and energy after a viable kidney transplant. After transplantation, you can return to a more normal lifestyle and have more control over your daily living. You can have a diet and a more normal fluid intake. If you depend on dialysis before the transplant, you have more freedom. You won't have to adhere to any dialysis schedules. You can work on any anaemia that may develop after the transplant. You may need fewer blood pressure medications after transplantation if you have hypertension (high blood pressure).
What happens to my old kidneys?
In most cases, surgeons rarely remove diseased kidneys.
Three conditions that might require your diseased kidneys to be removed:
- Spread infection to transplant kidneys regularly.
- Uncontrollable hypertension caused by your original kidneys.
- Urine backs up in your kidneys (a condition called reflux).
What are the principal risks of kidney transplantation?
Kidney transplantation carries the same threats as any other surgical procedure. There is a risk of bleeding, infection, or breathing problems. You also might have some side effects from the medications. As we know, because the medication you will take after transplantation reduces your body's ability to fight infection, you may be more susceptible to infections.
There is also the risk of rejection. Since the body recognizes the new kidney as a foreign object, it will try to reject it. However, Nephrologists can prescribe immunosuppressants to prevent rejection.
Because of years of experience, research, and improved medicines such as immunosuppressants that prevent rejection, kidney transplants are very successful after a few complications after transplantation.
What effect will the transplant have on my sexual identity?
Although a kidney transplant can alter many aspects of a person's life, it does not affect a lady's desire to become pregnant or a person's ability to father a child.
What other information about the recovery process should women know?
Women who undergo kidney transplants can experience healthy pregnancies later on. It's important to discuss the timing of pregnancy after the transplant with the Transplant Team. A woman transplant patient who becomes a new mother should not breastfeed her baby. They can pass the immunosuppressive medicines prescribed after transplantation through breast milk and can cause harm to the baby.
What are the precautions and diet after a kidney transplant?
After a kidney transplant, follow certain precautions and a specific diet to ensure a successful recovery and long-term health. Here are some general precautions and dietary guidelines:
Precautions:
- Take immunosuppressant medications as prescribed: These medicines are essential to prevent organ rejection, and vital to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule meticulously.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and maintain cleanliness to reduce the risk of infections.
- Avoid contact with sick individuals: Minimize exposure to people who are ill, especially those with contagious illnesses like colds, flu, or any other infections.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations: Consult with your healthcare team regarding recommended vaccinations and keep them updated according to their guidance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and exercise regularly to support overall health and well-being.
Dietary Guidelines:
- Follow a low-sodium diet: Limit sodium (salt) intake to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention. Avoid processed foods, fast food, and excessive salt in your meals.
- Control protein intake: Consume adequate protein to support healing and tissue repair, but avoid excessive protein consumption. Your healthcare team will provide specific recommendations based on your needs.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain proper hydration and support kidney function.
- Limit phosphorus and potassium: Your healthcare team will guide you on managing your phosphorus and potassium intake since abnormal levels can affect kidney function. This step usually involves avoiding high-phosphorus and high-potassium foods.
- Choose healthy fats: Opt for healthy fats like those found in nuts, avocados, and olive oil, while limiting saturated and trans fats.
- Eat a balanced diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. This diet will provide essential nutrients and promote overall health.
- Monitor medication interactions: Some foods and beverages may interact with your immunosuppressant medications. Consult your healthcare team about any potential interactions and adjust your diet accordingly.
These precautions and dietary guidelines may vary based on your circumstances. It's crucial to consult with your healthcare team, including a registered dietitian, who can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific needs and medical history.