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Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy in Bhubaneswar

Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy in Bhubaneswar

Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove a kidney from a living donor for Kidney Transplantation. In this procedure, the kidney obtained from a healthy donor is transplanted into a person whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. The living donor can donate one of their two kidneys, and the remaining kidney takes over the function of both.

The procedure involves making several small incisions on the abdomen and using a laparoscope (a small, thin tube with an attached camera) to remove the kidney. Due to the minimal invasiveness of the surgery, the patient has fewer scars, minimal pain, and a shorter hospital stay.

With the ever-growing demand for Kidney Transplantation, the use of Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy in Bhubaneswar has increased over the past few years. Those wanting to undergo the procedure must remember that it can put you at risk of unnecessary surgical complications and may take longer to recover. At Manipal Hospitals, we treat all the patients undergoing Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy with great care and compassion and ensure their optimal recovery.

FAQ's

Kidney Transplantation is a treatment of choice for patients with kidney failure. Getting a kidney from a live donor has several benefits for the recipient, as it leads to fewer complications and better survival of the donor organ.

You will not qualify to undergo the Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy in the following cases:

  • If you have had multiple abdominal surgeries in the past
  • Are significantly overweight

  • Have abnormal kidney anatomy

At Manipal Hospitals, we will perform a thorough pre-operative evaluation to ensure you are an ideal candidate for Laparoscopic Nephrectomy.

 

The two types of kidney donation are:

  • Related kidney donation: The kidney can be donated by parents or siblings.
  • Non-related kidney donation: The kidney is donated by friends or individuals not related to the recipient.

Individuals with only one functioning kidney can lead a normal life. As long as the donor is evaluated thoroughly and does not have complications, they can return to their normal life. When one of the kidneys is removed, the remaining kidney enlarges in size to compensate for the loss of function.

Since the donor has one functioning kidney, they must protect it from injury. Therefore, some doctors advise kidney donors to avoid contact sports or to wear a protective vest during sports to protect the kidney from injury.

 

The choice to donate kidneys is a personal one, with careful consideration of the benefits and risks. However, to donate kidneys, you must be at least 18 years of age or older, in good health, have two well-functioning kidneys, and have no medical history. Once you meet the criteria, you must undergo a thorough physical and psychological evaluation to donate the kidneys.

The diagnostic tests you may have to undergo are:

  • Blood and antibody tests
  • EKG (to determine your heart function)

  • Blood pressure assessment and urine analysis

  • Imaging studies such as CT scans

 

A Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, two or three small incisions are made in the abdomen. These incisions are used as ports, and a fibre-optic surgical instrument is inserted through them. The surgical equipment consists of a small knife, clamps, and a laparoscope. With the help of this equipment, the kidney is removed through the larger incision.

You may feel nauseous for the first 24 hours after the procedure. It is also common to have mild shoulder or stomach pain. Doctors advise you to walk a day after the operation to prevent blood clots and promote faster healing.

  • You must avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks following surgery, as excessive pressure on the abdomen may cause pain. 

  • Make sure you exercise regularly, take short walks, and perform less intense exercises.

  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to help with bowel movements.

  • You need to rest for at least 3 to 6 weeks, after which you can resume desk jobs.

After the organ donation, you must be able to resume your normal lifestyle. If you are in good health, there will not be any dietary restrictions.

Since Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy is less invasive, there is less scope for scarring. Patients will have a shorter recovery period and return to their normal eating habits and daily routines sooner.

Complications following surgery are rare, but you should look out for the following symptoms:

  • Internal adhesions may develop within the abdomen following surgery, which may occasionally cause chronic abdominal pain or obstruction requiring additional surgery.
  • Surgical interventions in the pelvic area can increase your risk of developing a hernia.

  • Delayed healing of surgical wounds.

  • Patients with one functioning kidney may lose proteins in their urine and tend to develop high blood pressure in the future.

  • Some patients have reported long-term complications, such as pain and nerve damage.

  • There is a risk of kidney function decline in the remaining kidney.

  • Blood clots or pneumonia can also develop in some patients.

Kidney donation does not decrease the donor’s life expectancy or increase their risk of kidney failure. However, it is important to communicate your concerns to your transplant team.

Generally, doctors advise kidney donors not to get pregnant for at least 6 months after organ donation. Even though complications are minimal after kidney donation, some pregnant women can develop gestational diabetes, proteinuria, pre-eclampsia, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.