Kidney failure is a critical health condition caused by gradual damage to the kidneys over time, often resulting from other health issues. The most severe stage of chronic kidney disease, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), occurs when the kidneys can no longer function effectively. The primary causes of ESRD include diabetes and high blood pressure, with additional risk factors such as:

Autoimmune diseases
Genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease
Nephrotic syndrome
Urinary tract problems
Various cancers (e.g., renal cell carcinoma)
Heart and liver diseases
Vascular conditions like renal artery thrombosis

Step 1: Initial review and case analysis by our Kidney Transplant Team, using your medical reports.

Step 2: Both the recipient and the donor undergo a pre-transplant workup, including blood and HLA typing.

Step 3: Evaluation of donor compatibility based on HLA testing and further assessments.

Step 4: Case submission to the transplant committee, along with the required documents, including the No-Objection Certificate from the High Commission.

Step 5: Awaiting committee approval, which typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 6: Post-approval, the transplant surgery is scheduled.

The kidney transplant is a sophisticated procedure conducted under general anesthesia. The surgery involves placing the donor kidney in the recipient’s abdomen and connecting it to their blood vessels and bladder. The decision to remove or leave the diseased kidney is made based on its potential impact on the patient’s health.

Post-surgery, both the patient and the donor are carefully monitored in the ICU, followed by a stay in the transplant care unit.

A successful kidney transplant means freedom from dialysis, with the new kidney taking over the blood filtration function. The majority of patients see a significant improvement in life expectancy, with over 90% living beyond 5 years post-transplant.

Recovery Timeline: After surgery, the patient is first taken to the ICU and then to the transplant care unit for a week. Lifelong immunosuppressive medication is necessary to prevent organ rejection, along with medications to ward off infections.