Kidney transplantation (KT) is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor. It is the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), often offering better quality of life and longer survival compared to dialysis.

Pre-Transplant Information:

• When is KT Necessary? KT is needed for patients with ESKD, either on dialysis or approaching ESKD.

• When is KT Not Required? It’s not suitable for acute kidney injury or if only one kidney fails while the other is functioning.

• Advantages: Better quality of life, freedom from dialysis, longer life expectancy, fewer dietary restrictions, and potentially lower long-term costs.

• Disadvantages: Risks of major surgery, rejection, lifelong medication, and potential side effects.

• Contraindications: Serious infections, active cancer, severe heart or vascular diseases, and severe psychological issues.

• Ideal Donors: Living-related (family) or non-related donors, or deceased (cadaver) donors. The best matches are often from identical twins or close relatives.

• Donor Requirements: Healthy individuals aged 18-65 with compatible blood groups and no major health issues can donate.

Transplant Surgery:

• Procedure: Performed under general anaesthesia, usually lasting 3-5 hours. The new kidney is placed in the recipient’s lower abdomen, often without removing the old kidneys.

• Post-Surgery: The transplanted kidney may start functioning immediately or require temporary dialysis.

Post-Transplant Care:

• Complications: Includes rejection, infection, and medication side effects.

• Medications: Lifelong use of immunosuppressants to prevent rejection. Other medications may include antihypertensives and those to prevent infections.

• Precautions: Regular medication adherence, avoiding infections, monitoring health metrics, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial.

Deceased Donor Transplant:

• Process: Involves kidneys from brain-dead individuals. The diagnosis of brain death is made by a team of doctors. Deceased donors can also donate other organs like eyes, liver, and heart.

• Contraindications for Donation: Active infections, HIV, hepatitis, cancer, or severe chronic diseases.

• Procedure: Donor kidneys are preserved and transplanted into recipients based on compatibility. The sooner they are transplanted, the better the outcomes.

Why Limited Transplants?

• Kidney Availability: Limited number of donors and long waiting lists.

• Cost: High expenses of surgery and medications.

Facilities: Limited availability of transplant facilities in some regions.