- Live Related Renal Transplantation: In cases where a patient has a legally acceptable relative ready to donate a kidney, we perform what is known as a “live related renal transplantation.” The potential donors include parents, grandparents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and spouses.
- Deceased/Cadaveric Renal Transplantation: If a patient does not have a well-matched relative for donation, they can opt for a deceased or cadaveric Renal transplantation. In this procedure, kidneys are harvested from brain-dead donors and implanted in the patient.
- Swap Renal Transplant: Swap Renal transplant is a viable option for patients without a suitable related donor. Here, two families in similar situations swap kidneys to facilitate the transplant.
- Highly experienced and qualified team of doctors.
- Renal transplant program coordinator for patient and relative counseling.
- A dedicated Renal Transplant Committee for ethical review and guidance.
- Strict infection control practices during kidney harvesting and the entire transplant procedure.
- A specialized Renal Transplant ICU for post-operative care and recovery.
A kidney transplant surgery takes 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia. Fast from midnight the day before and avoid heavy meals the evening before surgery.
India has a high success rate of around 90% for kidney transplant surgery, depending on factors such as healthcare institutes, surgeon expertise, post-operative care, tissue-matching, and donor relation. Post-surgical infections can be a major risk factor affecting success.
Dialysis filters and purifies blood but does not replace all kidney functions. It is costly and requires regular visits to a centre, depleting nutrients and making the blood more toxic over time. Kidney transplant is more economical, and increases survival chances and life expectancy, allowing for a normal and healthy life with physical activities. Dialysis does not allow for a normal life, making kidney transplant the best option for end-stage kidney disease.
The match of a donated kidney to the recipient’s body affects how quickly it starts working. Blood relatives’ kidneys match better due to tissue type and blood connection, starting to function faster than cadaveric kidneys. The new kidney can begin working the same day or take a few weeks depending on these factors.
Patients of the age group of 40-50 generally have a life expectancy of around 20-22 years after a kidney transplant surgery, while the ones above 50 generally have 15-20 years ahead of them.
Removing failed kidneys during a transplant increases surgical risks, even leading to death. Therefore, the new kidney is transplanted in the lower abdomen, leaving the failed kidneys in place to avoid complications.
A pre-emptive transplant is ideal before dialysis or finding a matching live donor. However, if on dialysis, a kidney transplant is still recommended over remaining on dialysis.
Immunosuppressants help the body accept a new kidney, but rejection can occur if the body recognizes it as foreign. Rejection doesn’t mean the kidney isn’t functioning and typically happens in the first 6 months after a transplant.
Before a kidney transplant, patients should consider selecting a nearby transplant centre and anticipate costs such as tests, procurement, surgery, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments.
The Urology Department at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital, led by Dr. Pragnesh Bharpoda, specializes in renal transplant surgery and infectious disease management, with an integrated team of expert doctors and specially trained nephrologists focused on patient needs.
Let Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Program be your partner in your journey to reclaim your health and embrace a renewed lease on life.