Kidneys are essential organs of the urinary system that function to filter waste products from your blood. When your kidneys malfunction due to any disease or injury, the amount of waste products accumulate and leads to increased blood pressure and kidney failure. A kidney transplant is the most recommended treatment for end-stage kidney disease. Kidney transplant is an invasive procedure, hence requires a skilled team to provide convenient care before, during, and after the procedure. Kidney Transplant Cypress is a well-equipped center that fosters the needs of patients requiring treatment for kidney disease.
Table of Contents
What is a Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged, diseased, and malfunctioning kidney with a healthy organ. The replaced kidney is taken from a deceased donor or from a living donor.
When is Kidney Transplant Recommended?
A kidney transplant is the recommended choice of treatment for last-stage kidney disease when it loses 90% of its ability to function normally.
Common causes of end-stage kidney disease include:
- Diabetes
- Uncontrolled hypertension (high BP)
- Kidney infections
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Certain autoimmune disorders like lupus.
How to Prepare For a Kidney Transplant?
Once your doctor evaluates your symptoms, your medical history will be recorded to assess your general health. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine if you are fit for a transplant and will also order a few blood tests to check your compatibility with the donor.
The night before the surgery, you must fast for at least 8 to 12 hours. Also, ensure to make the necessary arrangements for your hospital stay until you recover.
What Happens During a Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is performed under general anesthesia (a numbing agent that sedates you). The steps involved in the surgery are:
- Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) on the side of the abdomen using a scalpel (surgical knife).
- The diseased kidney will be removed, and the donor kidney will be placed inside.
- Your surgeon will connect the ureter and the blood vessels to your new kidney.
- The incision will be closed using sutures.
What to Expect After a Kidney Transplant?
You are expected to spend a week in the hospital until you recover. Your doctor will monitor your vitals and check if your transplanted kidney is able to filter out waste properly.
You are expected to have routine health check-ups to monitor your kidney function and take lifelong medications.
Takeaway
Kidney disease if diagnosed early can be treated depending on the severity. End-stage kidney failure is always treated by kidney transplant which helps you lead a quality life and increase your lifespan.
