Due to unhealthy eating habits, there has been an alarming rise in the number of kidney patients. The kidney is a crucial organ located below the ribs. Its primary function is to filter out waste, excess water, and harmful substances from the blood. The kidney also plays a vital role in activating vitamin D, which helps in the absorption of calcium by the bones.
Kidney transplant, also known as kidney transplantation, is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is given to a person whose kidneys are not functioning properly. This procedure can help the person remain healthy and lead a normal life. The human body has two kidneys, and if one is damaged, the person can survive with the other one. However, if both kidneys are damaged, dialysis is required to survive. A kidney transplant is considered the best treatment in such cases. The patient needs to get all the necessary information from the surgeon before undergoing a kidney transplant. The donor for a kidney transplant can be of two types –
- Many times it happens that the patient who needs a kidney gets his blood from someone who has died. dead person Kidney can also be given to the patient.
- Secondly, if the patient’s blood is mixed with someone in his family or blood relation, then that living person can also give his kidney to the patient.
What Is The Screening Process For Patients Before A Kidney Transplant?
- Before a kidney transplant surgery, a thorough physical examination of the patient is conducted to determine if the patient is in good health and if they are fit for the operation. This helps ensure that the patient is not suffering from any serious illness that could affect the success of the surgery.
- During a kidney transplant, a biopsy of the kidney tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to identify any abnormal cells present in the tissue. This is an important step to ensure the success of the transplant and to monitor the health of the transplanted kidney.
- If a kidney transplant is from a deceased donor, the tissues of the donor and recipient are matched, and antibody tests are conducted the same way as for a living donor.
Process of a kidney transplant?
During a kidney transplant surgery, if the donor is a living person, both the patient and the donor undergo the operation simultaneously. First, anesthesia is administered to both. Then, a kidney is removed from the donor through a large incision in the lower abdomen and is thoroughly cleaned with a special cold solution. Next, the kidney is placed on the front right side of the patient’s abdomen through an incision and the patient’s arteries and veins are connected to it. If the patient’s kidney is diseased, it will be removed during the surgery and replaced with the donated kidney. Finally, the incision is closed with surgical sutures.
During the kidney transplant process, it usually takes about 3 hours to complete. If a kidney from a living donor is transplanted, it will start functioning immediately. However, if the kidney is from a deceased donor, it may take a few days or weeks before it starts functioning properly.
What are the post-transplant instructions for a patient who has undergone a kidney transplant?
Also, after a kidney transplant, a patient’s immune system becomes weaker, so it’s important to pay attention to their diet. Certain foods should be consumed after a kidney transplant, such as those high in protein, iron, and vitamins. However, foods that are high in potassium and phosphorus should be avoided as they can be harmful to the transplanted kidney. The patient needs to work with a dietitian to create a meal plan that meets their nutritional needs and is safe for their kidney transplant.
- After undergoing a kidney transplant, it is important to consume a diet rich in protein for complete recovery. Patients who have undergone dialysis should also increase their protein intake in their diet. Foods such as milk and pulses can be consumed to increase protein intake.
- After a kidney transplant, it is not recommended to consume raw fruits as they can increase the risk of infection. Instead, it is suggested to boil them in hot water before consuming them to eliminate any bacteria that may be present.
- It is not advisable to smoke or consume alcohol after a kidney transplant, as they can have negative effects on the kidney. It is also recommended to avoid being around people who smoke.
- It is also beneficial to consume all types of pulses after a kidney transplant.
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food after a kidney transplant as it can be heavy and harmful to the body.