Kidney Transplant Process and Procedure – The kidneys are also known as organs of the body that function filters blood from toxins. When kidney function is damaged, it cannot be replaced by other organs. One solution could be by dialysis as well as transplantation.
The final condition of impaired normal kidney function that only remains less than 10 percent is called late-stage kidney disease. Some diseases that often cause late-stage kidney disease include diabetes, chronic and uncontrolled high blood pressure, chronic renal inflammation (glomerulonephritis) and polycystic kidney disease.
If the kidneys are no longer able to sustain their main function in the body, kidney replacement therapy is needed. Currently, there are 3 kidney replacement therapy options, namely hemodialysis (dialysis), peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. In the right individuals, kidney transplantation is the best option for treating late-stage kidney disease.
Kidney transplant process and procedure
Before kidney transplantation
You will undergo a thorough physical examination, including blood checks, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and psychological tests. A kidney transplant is performed after obtaining a kidney that has a high match rate between the donor and the recipient.
A kidney transplant is not a simple thing because it is a major surgery and requires comprehensive action. Both donors and kidney donors will live with one kidney forever. Well, in order for the kidney transplant to run smoothly, donors and recipients should pay attention to the following:
Donor kidney match test with recipient
Before performing a kidney transplant, the first thing that needs to be confirmed is the match of the kidney to the recipient.
Donors and recipients conduct health checks
Both donors and recipients are required to undergo a medical examination before undergoing a kidney transplant. Kidney donors should be free of kidney disease or health conditions that can lead to kidney disease.
Diabetics, for example, are less likely to become kidney donors.
Hypertension sufferers can become kidney donors if the disease can be controlled. The health screening process also aims to ensure that surgery will not harm donors. If the kidneys are declared healthy and the donor’s health condition is in good condition, a transplant can be performed.
Donors avoid taking certain medications
Kidney donors should pay attention to the drugs consumed before undergoing the grafting procedure. Doctors will usually advise donors to avoid taking drugs that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners for one week before surgery. This is done to reduce the risk of bleeding during the surgical procedure.
Donors are advised to take a healthy diet
Before undergoing surgery, donors are advised to go on a healthy diet, which is to eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Donors will also be asked to avoid certain foods or drinks, such as alco**hol. Not only before the surgery, but also after the surgery.
Donors should exercise regularly
If you plan to donate the kidneys, the preparation that needs to be done one of them is to exercise regularly. The purpose of the exercise is to improve lung health so that metabolism runs smoothly. Exercises that can be done include cycling, swimming, or just a leisurely walk. If the health condition is in good condition, the recovery process after surgery will also take place faster.
Donors quit smo**king
A donor who has a smo**king habit should stop this habit for 4 weeks before kidney donor surgery. Because, smo**king can cause complications and slow down the postoperative wound healing process. This is a challenge to face because smo**king habits are not easy to stop.
Prepare mentally and relax
Before undergoing kidney donor surgery, it is very important to prepare mentally. To be calmer, you need to discuss with people who have undergone this procedure. You can also ask a medic to help alleviate your worries before undergoing surgery.
During kidney transplantation
General anesthesia is given so that you fall asleep during the grafting process. The left or right lower abdomen is cut, then the new kidney will be grafted. At first-time transplant recipients, a new kidney is grafted on the lower abdomen on the right side.
New kidney blood vessels are connected to your lower abdominal veins. While the new urinary tract (ureter) is connected to the bladder. As long as there is no other infection, the old kidneys are left and not removed.
After kidney transplantation
You need to undergo intensive care in the hospital for post-kidney health monitoring. If there are no complications related to surgery, you will be allowed to go home.
Read also:
Heart Transplants: Definition, Procedures, and Risks
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