CALL US: 702-877-1887 
More than 100,000 Americans wait each year for a kidney transplant that could change their lives. This surgical procedure has given new hope to countless people with end-stage kidney disease. The thought of getting a kidney transplant can feel daunting, whether you’re the one who needs it or you’re supporting someone close to you.
The success rates of kidney transplants have improved substantially over the last several years. Doctors replace a failing kidney with a healthy donor kidney during this procedure. Modern medical advances have made these transplants more reliable, despite questions about safety and long-term results. This piece will tell you everything about kidney transplants – from the simple basics to long-term care. You’ll find all the information needed to make smart choices about your health.
Understanding Kidney Transplant Basics
A kidney transplant becomes essential when kidneys stop working properly. The surgical procedure involves placing a healthy kidney from a donor into a recipient’s body to replace failing kidneys.
What is kidney transplant and when is it needed
Patients need a kidney transplant if they have end-stage renal failure or are close to needing dialysis. Doctors recommend transplant evaluation for patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25 or below. The surgery takes between 2-4 hours. Surgeons place the new kidney in the lower abdomen and connect it to existing blood vessels.
Types of kidney transplants available
There are two main types of kidney transplants:
- Living Donor Transplant: These kidneys come from healthy living people – family members, spouses, friends, or Good Samaritans. The transplanted kidneys usually last 15-20 years.
- Deceased Donor Transplant: These kidneys come from people who passed away and chose to donate their organs. Such transplants typically last 8-12 years.
Key benefits and potential risks
A successful kidney transplant brings life-changing benefits. Recipients feel more energetic and have more freedom with their diet and fluid intake. The best part is that transplant patients tend to live longer than those on dialysis.
The procedure does come with some risks. Expanded Criteria Donors make up 15-20% of donors in the United States, which can affect outcomes. Most transplants succeed, but recipients must take anti-rejection medications for life. Standard Criteria organs show 5-10% better outcomes than other types.
Early referral leads to the best results. Studies show that getting a kidney transplant before needing dialysis (preemptive transplantation) gives the best outcomes and lower rejection rates. The national average wait time is about 30 months, though this varies by region.
Preparing for Kidney Transplant
The transplant preparation process starts with a complete evaluation at a transplant center. Our detailed approach will give you the best possible outcomes.
Medical evaluation process
A complete evaluation usually takes several months. Our transplant team runs these important tests to check if you’re ready for transplant:
- Blood and tissue typing tests
- Tests for HIV and hepatitis
- Heart and lung exams
- Kidney and liver function tests
- Cancer screenings including colonoscopy
- Mental health evaluation
You’ll meet with each member of our core transplant team during this time. The team includes your transplant surgeon, nephrologist, nurse coordinator, and social worker. The transplant team coordinates with your primary care physician to order the appropriate testing and screenings
Financial planning and insurance considerations
Transplantation costs are significant and need detailed financial planning. Our financial coordinators team up with insurance companies to verify your coverage for:
- Transplant evaluation and testing
- Transplant surgery and hospital stay
- Post-transplant medications and follow-up care
Medicare pays 80% of dialysis treatment costs and 80% of immunosuppressant medications after transplant. Our team helps find assistance programs for additional expenses. The National Living Donor Assistance Program can help with travel and lodging costs.
Building your support system
A strong support network makes a big difference throughout your transplant process. Our transplant social worker helps assess your support system and finds resources for:
- Transportation to appointments
- Post-transplant care assistance
- Emotional support during recovery
Your transplant team, including our financial coordinator and social worker, will guide you through challenges before, during, and after your transplant. We suggest bringing someone supportive to your evaluation appointments. They can help you remember important details about the process.
The Transplant Journey
A kidney transplant surgery is a vital milestone on your path to better health. Let us walk you through each step to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Pre-transplant preparation steps
Your final preparations begin right after we confirm a kidney match. We can schedule the surgery ahead of time for living donor transplants. However, deceased donor recipients need to be ready to reach the hospital as soon as a kidney becomes available. The requirements before surgery include:
- Complete blood type cross-matching
- Final health assessment
- Review of medication instructions
- Preparation of your support system
- Transportation arrangements
What happens during surgery
The transplant procedure takes 2-4 hours. Our surgical team places the donor kidney in your lower abdomen carefully. We connect the kidney’s blood vessels to your existing blood vessels and attach the ureter to your bladder. Your damaged kidneys usually stay in place unless they cause complications.
Recovery period
You will receive close monitoring in our specialized transplant care unit after surgery. The hospital stay typically lasts 3-5 days. During this time, we track your vital signs and kidney function. Your new kidney might start working right away, or it could take several days to function properly.
Your detailed follow-up schedule during recovery includes:
- First Few Months: 2-3 visits per week, then weekly visits
- Month 5: Appointments every two weeks
- Months 6-9: Monthly check-ups
- After Year 1: Semi-annual visits
You can return to work or normal activities within 6-8 weeks after surgery. We monitor your medication levels and watch for rejection signs carefully during recovery. Our success rates show promise, with one-year kidney transplant survival rates that meet or exceed national averages.
Your recovery success depends on following medication schedules and keeping regular contact with your transplant team. Note that you should reach out to us immediately if you have any symptoms or concerns.
Living with a Transplanted Kidney
Life with a transplanted kidney demands specific care routines and lifestyle changes. Proper medication management is the life-blood of transplant success.
Medication management
Taking immunosuppressant medications will be a lifelong commitment to prevent organ rejection. These medications need to be taken at the same time each day to maintain stable levels in your system. Our essential medication guidelines has:
- Never run out of anti-rejection medications
- Take medications at consistent times daily
- Report any side effects promptly
- Avoid grapefruit and pomegranate products
- Consult us before starting any new medications
Lifestyle adjustments
You should drink 2 liters (about 8.5 cups) of water daily to stay properly hydrated. Your diet will have fewer restrictions compared to dialysis days, but we support a heart-healthy diet that’s low in fat and sodium.
Regular exercise plays a significant role in your recovery and long-term health. Walking, bicycling, and swimming help improve cardiovascular health and maintain a healthy weight. But always check with us before starting any exercise program.
Follow-up care requirements
Our follow-up care protocol has routine lab work to assess kidney function and medication levels. You’ll need more frequent clinic visits during the first 3-6 months. These visits become less frequent as your kidney function stabilizes.
Anti-rejection medications lower your body’s defense against infections. Watch for signs like fever, flu-like symptoms, or cloudy urine and report them immediately. Regular cancer screenings are vital since transplant recipients face an increased risk due to immunosuppression medications.
Your transplant team stands ready to help with any concerns about your medication, lifestyle changes, or overall health. These guidelines and regular communication with us will help ensure your kidney transplant’s long-term success.
Conclusion
A kidney transplant is more than a medical procedure – it gives people with end-stage kidney disease a new chance at life. Our detailed guide explores every aspect of the transplant trip, from original evaluation to long-term care management. Many transplanted kidneys now function well for 15-20 years with proper care, showing improved success rates.
The process demands commitment through careful preparation, financial planning, lifelong medication management and lifestyle changes. These efforts bring valuable rewards. Patients experience most important improvements in their quality of life and enjoy more energy without dialysis restrictions.
Medical advances and expert transplant teams have boosted kidney transplant success rates considerably. Recipients can expect many years with their new kidney through proper medication adherence, regular follow-up care, and healthy lifestyle choices. The trip ahead may look challenging, but you’re never alone. Your transplant team will support you at every step.
