Kidney Transplant Surgery

In this type of renal replacement, a kidney from either a living or a brain-dead person is placed surgically into the renal failure patient. Only one kidney needs to be transplanted, which is why living donors can carry on and remain healthy after donation. Living donors would have to undergo extensive investigations before donation to assess their suitability and fitness. The patient's own kidneys do not have to be removed except in certain circumstances.

Not all renal failure patients are fit to undergo transplantation. They should check with their doctors if they can have a renal transplant. This is because the medication that is given for the transplant may worsen their general health.

Patients who have had a transplant will need to remain on medications which suppress their immunity so that their 'new' kidney will not be rejected by their body's immune system.

The advantages and disadvantages of kidney transplantation

Advantages

• No dialysis needed for post transplant match.
• No access needed.
• Normal diet.
• Fewer clinic visits.
• Most similar to original kidneys infection.

Disadvantages

• Stress of waiting for kidney.
• Risk associated with surgery.
• Risk of transplant rejection.
• Regular medication required.
• Lower resistance to illness.

Further Reading:

• http://www.usckidneytransplant.org/ (USC Kidney Transplant Program)
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kidneytransplantation.html (USA National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health)

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• Disease and Treatment