Kidney transplants or kidney transplants are performed to treat kidney failure, which is a condition in which the kidneys can no longer function properly. In this procedure, doctors perform surgery to replace the damaged kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor.
Kidneys are vital organs of the body that function to filter waste substances from the blood, then excrete them through urine. When kidney function is impaired, the filtering process will be disrupted so that waste substances accumulate in the body. If left unchecked, this condition is potentially life-threatening.
Waste substances in patients with damaged kidneys can actually be removed by dialysis. However, if the kidney condition is severe, a kidney transplant is the best treatment for kidney failure.
How to Get a Kidney Donor
There are two sources for obtaining kidney donors, namely through donors who are living or who have recently died.
Living donors
Kidneys can be donated through a living donor. The donor can be from family, friends, or anyone who wants to give their kidney and is ready to live with only one kidney in their body.
Donors who have passed away
Kidneys can also be donated by someone who has died. In fact, in most cases of kidney transplantation, the kidney is obtained from a deceased donor.
However, the kidneys should come from someone who has died of brain function or also known as brain death.
Things to Pay Attention to Before Undergoing a Kidney Transplant
After getting a kidney from a donor, you will undergo a series of tests to make sure it matches your blood type and body tissues. This is important to do to prevent the possibility of a reaction against the body's rejection of the kidney.
Meanwhile, if there is no suitable kidney donor, you are advised to keep your body healthy. Here are some things you can do:
- Taking medicines and foods that have been recommended by the doctor
- Quit smoking, if you are an active smoker
- Limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Exercise regularly
- Carry out regular health checks
However, keep in mind that a kidney transplant cannot be done if you have the following conditions:
- old age
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Taking medication or undergoing certain treatments
- Suffer from cancer, heart disease, or mental disorders
Kidney Transplant Procedure
After getting a suitable kidney, you can immediately undergo kidney transplant surgery. Usually, this operation lasts for 3-5 hours. You will be given an anesthetic during the transplant procedure.
The following are the stages of the kidney transplant procedure:
- The doctor makes an incision in the lower abdomen.
- The doctor will remove the damaged kidney and replace it with a new kidney from a donor.
- The blood vessels from the new kidney to the veins in the lower abdomen are connected.
- The ureters or tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder are connected to the bladder.
- The doctor will close the incision with stitches.
Usually, the new kidney can carry out its function immediately after the blood flows to the organ. However, in some cases, the kidneys take longer to produce urine.
While waiting for the new kidney to work optimally, you can do dialysis. You should also take immunosuppressant medications for life to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.
Kidney Transplant Risks and Complications
Every medical procedure has a risk of complications, as well as a kidney transplant. There are several risks of short-term and long-term complications that can occur, including:
Risk of short term complications
Following are some of the short-term complications of a kidney transplant procedure:
- Infection
- Narrowing of the renal arteries
- Blood clotting
- Blockage of the ureter
- urine leakage
- The body rejects the new kidney
- Heart attack, stroke, or even death
Risk of long term complications
In addition to short-term complications, kidney transplantation can also cause long-term complications. These complications are generally caused by immunosuppressant drugs that need to be taken regularly. Here are some of the complications:
- Pimple
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Weight gain
- Swollen gums
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hair loss or excessive hair growth
- Increased risk of cancer, especially skin cancer
Kidney transplantation can also cause complications graft versus host disease, which is a condition when immune cells in the donor kidney attack the patient's body cells. These complications can occur within a few weeks after surgery, but can also appear several years later.
Guide to Living with One Kid
After a kidney transplant, you are required to lead a healthy lifestyle. Here are some things you can do:
1. Regularly check with the doctor
During the first weeks after surgery, you should see your doctor 2-3 times a week. After that, the control schedule can be reduced to once every 2-3 months if you do not have serious health problems after the transplant.
2. Checking skin health
The risk of developing cancer, especially skin cancer, increases after a kidney transplant. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check the condition of the skin and other body parts regularly to detect signs of skin cancer or other types of cancer.
3. Change your diet
Most people can still eat a variety of foods after undergoing a kidney transplant. However, while taking high doses of immunosuppressant drugs, you are advised to avoid the following foods:
- Foods containing raw eggs, such as mayonnaise
- Undercooked meat or seafood
- Unpasteurized dairy products
4. Quit smoking
If you are undergoing a kidney transplant, it is highly recommended not to smoke. Smoking can reduce the resistance of your new kidney. In addition, smoking can also increase the risk of cancer.
5. Exercise regularly
After your physical condition is declared recovered, you are advised to regularly exercise for 2.5 hours every week. Sports you can do are brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and playing tennis.
The kidney transplant procedure in the hospital is an attempt to prolong the life of patients with kidney failure. The average new kidney lasts for about 10-12 years.
Kidney resistance depends on how well the kidneys fit into your body, the source of the kidneys, and your age and overall health condition.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience complaints after undergoing a kidney transplant. That way, the doctor can check and provide the right treatment according to the complaints you are experiencing.
