What is a Kidney Transplant?

A Kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a patient whose kidneys are no longer functioning. This is reported to be the most widely accepted therapy for the cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), improving quality of life and concentrating survival rates in relation to dialysis. Kidney transplant in Mumbai is ready for patients, who can have the choice between transplant types depending on the kind of donor available, along with the compatibility.

Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?

Patients suffering from:

End-stage renal disease (ESRD): A disease when kidney function is nearly lost and only dialysis or transplantation can be done.
Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD): When kidney function is less than 15% of its normal capacity, transplant becomes a reasonable treatment option.
Genetic kidney disorders: Several inherited conditions, most commonly polycystic kidney disease, lead to progressive kidney failure. It is here that Bart is needed.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus resulting in kidney failure: Long-term high blood pressure or diabetes along with other factors destroy the kidneys and reach the stage of failure, at which time a transplant becomes a necessity.

Types of Kidney Transplants

Deceased Donor Transplant:

• Is the introduction of a kidney from a brain-dead or dead donor into the patient.
• Waiting times for a deceased donor transplant can be very long, since patients will be put on the registry list.
• The success rate is very high, provided the donor kidney is well-matched with the recipient.

Living Donor Transplant:

• Donation of a kidney by a living relative or compatible person.
• Living donor transplants generally have a higher probability of success because of shorter waiting periods and better compatibility.
• The donor would be subjected to medical tests to ensure compatibility and overall health before donation.

Eligibility for Kidney Transplant

Some of the eligibility criteria for kidney transplant in Mumbai include:

• Good health, besides kidney disease: Other serious illnesses or conditions interfering with the transplant may not be there.
• A matched donor: Other mismatched situations may cause complications or organ rejection.
• Be infection or cancer free: Active infections or untreated cancer would make transplantation risky.
• A family or caregiving support for post-transplant care: Medical follow-up, lifestyle changes, and a regimen of prescribed drugs are necessary for the recovery process.

Kidney Transplant Procedures

1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation: An exhaustive complete evaluation on the patients is done which will include blood tests, imaging, and psychological evaluation to make sure they are fit for surgery. Doctors conduct a series of tests to see if they are potentially compatible and to see the possible risks that can arise.
2. Finding a Donor: Matching blood type, tissue compatibility, and cross-matching tests form the basis for matching. Because of the lower chances of organ rejection, donated organs will nearly always have the upper hand against living donor organs.
3. Surgery: It is performed under general anesthesia, with the new kidney placed in the lower part of the abdomen, connecting renal blood vessels. The actual surgery takes about 3-4 hours and is done under close observation thereafter.
4. Post-Surgery Care: Close monitoring, medications, and lifestyle adjustments are essential to deter organ rejection. The patient likely spends around 7-10 days at the hospital for an initial recovery and observation.

Risks and Complications

While kidney transplants in Mumbai exhibit high success rates, several risks are involved but are not limited to:

• Rejection of organ: The body may recognize the new kidney as a foreign body and try to attack it. To reduce the chances of this happening, immunosuppressive drugs are often administered.
• Infections: Patients must be watchful against infections because the immunosuppressive medications can compromise their immunity post-transplant.
• Formation of blood clots: The surgery performed increases the risk for blood clots to form; hence, the risk has to be well monitored.
• Side effects of immunosuppressive drugs: These drugs may cause high blood pressure, diabetes, or problems with bones when taken for an extended period.

Recovery and Aftercare

• Hospitalization: The patient ordinarily remains in the hospital for 7-10 days.
• Medication: Lifelong intake of immunosuppressants is necessary to avoid the rejection of the transplanted kidney.
• Follow-ups: Recurring check-ups are to ascertain kidney functioning and general health.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise is vital, and it is best to avoid infections and be vigilant about a healthy diet.

Cost of Kidney Transplant in Mumbai

The costs for kidney transplantation can differ all over India, but in Mumbai, the key determinants are hospital, surgeon expertise, and post-operative care. A graft recipient will spend approximately ₹7 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs which includes pre-surgery evaluation, surgery, hospital stay, and medicines.

Why Choose Dr. Sushrut S. Fuladi for Kidney Transplant?

Dr. Sushrut S. Fuladi is a prominent nephrologist who deals with kidney transplants in Mumbai. His expertise in nephrology, his patient-centric approach, and his use of advanced medical techniques ensure high success rates and patient satisfaction. His experience with complex kidney cases gives him another string to his bow and one of the topmost choices of kidney transplantation by the patients in Mumbai.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

On average, how long will a transplanted kidney remain functional? What is the success rate of kidney transplantation in Mumbai? Can kidney transplantations be done using a cadaveric donor? Should you still require dialysis post-transplant? What post-operative care is needed?