A kidney transplant is performed in cases in which the patient suffers from complete failure of kidney function (End Stage Renal Disease) resulting from some diseases, such as: chronic renal failure, renal hypertension, chronic kidney infection, and some Genetic diseases and autoimmune diseases.
The new kidney can be obtained from a living or dead donor, preferably a living one, so that comprehensive examinations can be carried out on it before the transplant This is to reduce the problems of immune rejection, and increase the likelihood of successful transplantation in the patient.
Surgery risks
Kidney transplant surgery is associated with some risks, such as the following
Infection at the surgical site.
Bleeding occurs.
scars in the area.
A in blood pressure.
Damage to the renal blood vessels and ureters.
Kidney rejection.
Before the surgery
A set of tests are performed for the patient, such as: a kidney ultrasound (Ultrasound), a comprehensive blood count, a kidney function test, blood type, and a urine test.
The patient should consult the doctor about the medications that he should stop taking before the surgery, and he should fast for a full 8 hours before the surgery.
During surgery
Kidney transplant surgery involves removing the healthy kidney from the donor by making a small incision, then transplanting the new kidney into the patient’s body. The surgery is performed under complete anesthesia, with the following steps:
Sterilizing the abdominal area and making an incision in the abdomen, so that it penetrates all layers of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, abdominal muscles and membranes until the kidney is reached.
All renal blood vessels are removed, the inactive kidney is then removed from its place, and the new kidney is placed in a new form in the pelvic cavity.
Connecting the healthy kidney to the renal blood vessels, and it must be ensured that the blood reaches it well, and in the end, the ureter of the healthy kidney is connected to the patient’s bladder.
Suture the abdominal membranes, abdominal wall muscles, skin layers, and dressing the incision. In most cases, a tube is placed inside the abdomen that works to get rid of the remnants of fluid that have accumulated inside the abdominal cavity, and this surgery usually takes 5 hours.
Post surgery
The patient remains under observation for 4-7 days to ensure the stability of his condition, and the effectiveness of the transplanted kidney is monitored with time. Here are some notes and tips that should be taken into consideration:
Medicines must be taken to suppress the patient''s immune system, in order to prevent transplant rejection as much as possible. These drugs are used for long periods, and in some cases they are taken for life.
The patient can take pain relievers if he feels pain after the kidney transplant operation.
The compresses and stitches are removed from the incision often a week after surgery.
The attending physician should be informed in the event of a sudden rise in temperature, a in blood pressure, or urinary retention.
