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End-stage renal disease is a concerning issue significantly affecting both physical and mental health. However, amidst these challenges, there exists a life-transforming solution. It is kidney transplantation. Union Health Ministry of India and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation on 8 December 2023, stated that the kidney had been the most transplanted organ in India for the last five years, with 43,983 transplants, i.e., 75% of the total transplants, followed by the liver with 13,084 (22%) and then the heart with a total of 911 transplants. Pancreas and small bowel account for under 1% of the transplants and lung transplants account for 699 transplants.
Synopsis
What Is End-stage Renal Disease?
Often referred to as kidney failure, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a chronic condition, in which the kidneys fail to perform their function. The primary task of kidneys is to filter waste products. From blood so, when kidneys fail, there is a gradual accumulation of toxic products of metabolism in our body. An individual suffering from ESRD can undergo renal replacement Therapy in the form of Dialysis in KT.
The most common warning signs of ESRD are:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Weakness
- Appetite loss
- Sleeping problems
- Changes in urine frequency
- Fluid build-up around the lungs leading to breathing problems
- Swollen ankles and feet
- High blood pressure
- Cramps
- Continuous itching
Even though none of these symptoms are highly specific, it is necessary to keep an eye out. Keep consulting a nephrology specialist to treat them as soon as possible.
What is Kidney Transplantation?
The straightforward explanation of a kidney transplant is that it replaces the failed kidney with a healthy one. The donor can either be living or deceased. Living donor is an option because doctors replace two failed kidneys with one kidney only.
Your condition will be thoroughly evaluated before you are put on the waitlist for the transplant procedure. This includes:
- If your body can handle the extensive surgical procedure
- If you can tolerate post-transplant medical care
- Your pre-existing medical conditions
You may need to visit the Hospital quite several times before the final result.
The evaluation procedures include:
- Physical checkup
- Psychological examination
- Blood tests
- CT scans, X-rays, or other imaging tests
- Other tests, as required by the doctor.
Once these tests are done, your blood and tissue types will be analysed to check your compatibility with the donor. If you are not compatible with any living donor, you may have to wait for a while to find a suitable deceased donor.
The Importance of Kidney Transplant for End-stage Renal Disease
Kidney transplantation holds a crucial role in the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is also addressed as stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Learn why kidney transplant is the most beneficial for ESRD treatment in this section.
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Improved Quality of Life: Kidney transplantation significantly improves your quality of life compared to ongoing dialysis. Your energy levels will be increased. Your appetite will be restored. Most importantly, you will experience a significant reduction in your kidney failure symptoms.
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Long-Term Survival: Transplantation means you are getting a healthy kidney. On the other hand, dialysis follows the process of purifying your blood. While the kidney is already damaged, dialysis may not always show fruitful results. It can sustain you, but a transplant assures a healthy and normal life.
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Reduced Health Risks: Dialysis is associated with certain health risks. It includes infections, cardiovascular complications, and anaemia. Kidney transplantation reduces the risk of these complications.
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Increased Independence: Dialysis sessions have to be regular. This means you need to follow up with your consultation continuously. Kidney transplantation allows you more freedom. You can work, travel, and do what you like as you please. You won’t be tied down to the frequent medical appointments.
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Economic Benefits: The initial costs of kidney transplantation and the associated immunosuppressive medications can be high. However, in the long run, it is often more cost-effective than long-term dialysis. You will require fewer medical interventions and hospitalisations. Thus, it will reduce your healthcare costs.
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Psychological Well-being: Living with ESRD and regular dialysis is often emotionally challenging. Kidney transplantation can have positive effects on mental health. It reduces the stress of the dialysis routine.
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Immunosuppression Advancements: Advances in immunosuppressive medications have improved kidney transplantation outcomes. These medications prevent your body from rejecting the kidney that is transplanted. This, in turn, increases the success rate and long-term viability of the transplant.
So, even though it is a surgical procedure, kidney transplantation is effective in many ways. It offers you a new beginning. Your lifestyle improves. Your survival rate increases. You become an independent person to enjoy your days. Additionally, the success rate and benefits of kidney transplants are improving every day with medical advancements.
Visit Manipal Hospitals, Mysore, and consult the top nephrology specialist.
FAQ's
After the surgery, you must take care of yourself. Certain helpful measures are:
- Join a support group and learn from fellow patients
- Do not jump into activities. Take your time and consult with your doctor to heal
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Eat more lean meats
- Include fibre-rich foods
- Exercise regularly
No surgical procedure can be without risks. The same goes for kidney transplants. There can be:
- Bleeding
- Organ rejection
- Infection.
However, medical advancements significantly reduce these risks. Your doctor will closely monitor you after the surgery.
Yes, you can get back to your normal lifestyle after the transplant. However, consult your doctor before jumping to any conclusion. You will also need to follow the prescription of immunosuppressive medications. This prevents your body from rejecting the transplanted kidney.
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