Kidney transplantation
Overview
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a condition where the kidney gradually loses its function and can no longer remove waste or excess fluid from your body. It is an advanced stage of renal failure and usually happens when the function of kidneys declined to below 15 percent of its normal function. Patients with ESRD often suffer from poor appetite, general weakness, nausea, vomiting, limbs edema, heart failure and dyspnea. At that time, renal replacement therapy, which includes hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation, is necessary. Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for patients with ESRD. It extends the patient's life and greatly improves their quality of life. The transplantation team at Taipei Veterans General Hospital comprises of transplant surgeons, urologists, nephrologists, and coordinators. Their concerted efforts are essential in ensuring optimal patient care post kidney transplantation.
Features Summary
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from another person. The kidney may come from a deceased organ donor or a living donor. Family members who make a good match may be able to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living transplant, which has several advantages when compared to cadaveric transplants, including less waiting time, better surgical planning, and higher success rates for the health of the donor and recipient.
Procedure
A series of blood tests (including cross matching and tissue typing) and imaging studies will be first conducted on both the donor and recipient to ensure compatibility for renal transplantation. During the procedure, the surgeon places the donor kidney off to one side of the lower abdomen and attaches the artery and vein of the transplanted kidney to the blood vessels of the pelvis. The surgery usually takes about 3 hours. Following surgery, a urinary catheter will be inserted to drain the urine from the bladder. The urinary catheter is usually removed after 5 days.
Notification
Risks related to surgery include:
Allergic reaction to general anesthesia
Bleeding
Blood clots
Urological complications (ureteral obstruction and urinary leak)
Infection
Rejection or failure of the donated kidney
Heart attack
Stroke
Risks not related to surgery include:
Rejection of the donated kidney
It is the most serious risk of the transplant; however, the hospital estimates that 90% of living-related and 80% of deceased kidney transplant function for at least five years after surgery.
Immunosuppressant drugs-related side effects include:
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Infection
Weight gain
Bone thinning
Increased hair growth
Skin lesions
Development of certain cancers like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Estimated Cost
For estimated medical costs, please contact International Medical Services Center.