If you undergo a kidney transplant before the kidney function deteriorates so much that there is the need for dialysis to replace the normal filtering function of the kidneys, it is known as preemptive kidney transplant. Nowadays, a large percentage of kidney transplants are carried out for the patients on dialysis as the cleaning of impurities from the blood is not possible by their kidneys. For the end-stage kidney disease, a kidney specialist in Kolkata suggests preemptive kidney transplant. The success rate of preemptive kidney transplants depends on many factors. These include:
- The number of donor’s kidneys
- Access to transplant centres
Benefits
There are various benefits of a preemptive kidney transplant. The following are some of these benefits:
- There is less risk of rejection of the new kidney by your body.
- The quality of life becomes better for most people and they also live longer.
- There is no need for dialysis.
- You have less restriction in your diet than you would have on dialysis.
- The health problems are less than those associated with dialysis.
The source of a donated kidney is either a living donor or a deceased donor. The kidneys for preemptive kidney transplant normally come from living donors. Sometimes kidneys also come from deceased donors. However, the waiting time may be longer in these cases.
Some important points
The top nephrologist in Kolkata will refer you to a transplant centre for the evaluation process if he/she recommends a preemptive kidney transplant. To check whether you are an eligible candidate for the procedure, the medical team at the transplant centre will carry out different tests. Several factors will be taken into consideration by them. These include:
- Overall health
- The level of kidney function
- Chronic medical conditions that may affect the success of the transplant
- Availability of donor’s kidneys
- The ability to take anti-rejection medications and follow medical instructions for the remaining part of your life
After the medical team confirms that you are fit for the procedure and a living-donor kidney is available, you will get the date and time for the procedure. However, you have to wait for a deceased-donor kidney when there is an unavailability of a living-donor kidney. You can get the answers to your questions regarding the procedure from a nephrology doctor in Kolkata.
The procedure of kidney transplant
You remain asleep under the effect of general anaesthesia during the procedure. Your heart rate, blood oxygen level and blood pressure are constantly monitored by the surgical team. The surgeon places the new kidney in your body after making an incision in your lower abdomen. He/she attaches the blood vessels in the lower part of your abdomen to the blood vessels in the kidney. The surgeon then connects the ureter of the kidney to your bladder. You have to remain in the hospital for some days after the procedure. It is also necessary to go for frequent checkups during the recovery period after the surgery and take medicines for the remaining part of your life.
