What to Expect in Kidney Transplant at Tender Palm Super Specialty Hospital
We at Tender Palm Hospital understand that a kidney transplant can be a life-changing experience for the patients as well as their families. To make this experience trouble-free and stress-free, we provide clarity in what can be expected beforehand, during the process of a kidney transplant, and even after the transplant. Our professional and skilled team of medical professionals takes care to provide world-class medical treatment, consultancy, and services throughout this entire process.
Pre-Transplant Phase (Pre-Kidney Transplant)
Medical Checkup Tests
Prior to undergoing the transplant, our kidney transplant team will conduct a comprehensive medical checkup, including:-
Blood tests for overall health and compatibility.
Donor compatibility by tissue typing and cross-matching.
Imaging scans such as Ultrasound, X-ray, and CT Scan to assess kidneys' condition.
Heart and lung medical tests to determine suitability for surgery.
Medical screening for diabetes, infections, and other underlying diseases.
Obtaining a Kidney Donor
Living Donor - If the relative, friend, or family member wishes to donate a kidney, the staff will test their compatibility through various tests.
Deceased Donor - If a transplant is performed by a deceased donor, the patient will be placed on a waiting list for a compatible kidney.
Preparing for Surgery
The patient and family will receive extensive counseling regarding the transplant procedure.
The patient will be advised to have a healthy diet, exercise, and drug schedule before the surgery.
The transplant team will schedule the final appointment for the transplant once a donor is identified as compatible.
During the Kidney Transplant Procedure
Administration of Anesthesia
The patient will be prepared and brought to the operation theater (OT) on the day of admission.
Our anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia so that the patient will not feel any pain and will be asleep during the procedure.
Kidney Transplant Surgery
The incision will be in the lower abdomen and the new kidney will be placed there.
The blood vessels of the new kidney will be connected to the blood vessels of the patient, and the ureter (urine tube) will be connected to the bladder.
The diseased kidneys are not normally removed unless they are responsible for infection or other issues.
The surgery will typically last 3 to 5 hours.
Intraoperative Monitoring
While in the operating room, the anesthesiology team will be continuously monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and vital signs.
As soon as the new kidney is in position, blood supply to the kidney is restored immediately, and it starts functioning.
ICU Admission Following Surgery
The patient will be admitted to a special ICU (Intensive Care Unit) following surgery for close observation.
The patient will be under 24/7 constant medical observation for the initial 24-48 hours to monitor for any complications.
Post-Transplant Phase (Post-Kidney Transplant)
Hospital Recovery
The patient can stay in the hospital for about 7-10 days following the transplant.
Although the doctors will be monitoring during this period:-
Kidney function through blood and urine tests.
Vital signs including blood pressure and pulse rate.
Any sign of rejection of the donated organ or complication.
Medication Management
Immunizing drugs to prevent the body rejecting the donated kidney will be given to the patient.
Maintenance drugs to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and infection will also be given.
Dietary Guidelines
A diet chart will be provided by the dietician as per the patient's needs to make the kidney work at its optimal level.
The patient will be advised to take:-
Protein food for wound healing.
Low-salt and low-sugar diet to keep blood pressure and diabetes in check.
Enough fluid intakes to keep the kidney hydrated.
Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled upon discharge for monitoring kidney function, drug response, and pace of recovery.
Routine laboratory work and urinalysis will be prescribed for the purpose of detecting any manifestation of organ rejection or complication.
Follow-ups will be tapering with respect to frequency with time.
Long-Term Care
The patient has to continue taking immunosuppressant drugs throughout the rest of his or her life to prevent organ rejection.
Proper diet, lifestyle, and exercise are vital for continued kidney function in the long term.
The health care team will be there at all times to counsel and advice.
What to Expect After a Successful Kidney Transplant?
Increased quality of life without dialysis.
Restoration of energy levels and sense of well-being.
Best urine output with lesser sicknesses.
Powerful kidney functioning for 10-20 years or even longer with suitable maintenance.
We ensure your kidney transplant journey at Tender Palm Super Specialty Hospital is free of hassles, safe, and effective. From pre-transplant evaluation to long-term post-transplant care — our trained staff will accompany you throughout.