Kidney function
Kidney Transplantation is indicated for patients with kidney failure. Kidney Failure is a state where in body requires external support to remove the formed toxins from the body when "both" the kidneys cease to function. Till the patient undergoes transplantation, he/she will be kept on either Hemodialysis or CAPD.
Do they remove the old Kidneys?
Transplantation is a process where new kidney is "implanted" into the lower part of the abdomen and connected to the body blood vessels and urinary bladder. Old kidneys which are damaged are not usually removed unless they are very large occupying the entire abdomen, filled with pus or/and large stones.
Who can donate the Kidney?
According to Human Organ Transplantation Act 1994, father, mother, brother(s), sister(s), children and spouse(wife/husband) only can donate. In case others wish to give, they need permission from a government appointed authorization committee. Selling and purchase of organ is 'illegal' in India.
Who are eligible to donate the kidney among the family members?
The one whose blood group matches with that of the patient(recipient) only can donate the kidney.
Recipient blood group
- "O"
- "A"
- "B"
- "AB"
Donor
- O
- O and A
- O and B
- O A B and AB
Positive or negative in the blood group, do not matter much.
How healthy the Donor should be?
The prospective donor will be evaluated thoroughly before being accepted for donation. He/she should be free from diseases like diabetes, hypertension, major heart and brain disease, cancer and contagious infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV,etc. The donor should have two normally functioning kidneys which will be confirmed through various investigations.
Does the donor develop any problem in the future? Can they lead Normal life?
As the donor is thoroughly investigated and confirmed "healthy", it is very unlikely that they develop any complication related to kidney donation however incidental diseases like development o f heart attack etc are unrelated to kidney donation. They are at risk to develop health problems like any other ordinary person. Very rarely they might develop hypertension after several years. They can lead absolutely normal life like any other person. They do not need to take any drug therapy. They can perform all physical, mental, social and sexual activities like any normal person.
How much time it takes for the preparation?
Usually, both the donor and recipient work up requires two to three weeks only it should not ideally go beyond one month
How much it costs?
It depends on the hospital, where the transplantation is going to take place. Usually in government hospitals and institutions(AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and NIMS Hyderabad, etc)
What are the Complications of Kidney Transplantation?
There will be few surgical and several medical complications are known to be associated with transplantation. Most of them are treatable. That is the reason why transplantation program is running successfully in several parts of the world.