Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving surgical procedure offered to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where one healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is transplanted into the recipient’s body. This procedure restores normal kidney function and significantly improves quality of life, freeing patients from long-term dialysis dependency.

Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?

Kidney transplant is typically recommended for individuals with:

• Chronic kidney failure requiring regular dialysis

• Genetic or autoimmune conditions affecting kidney function

• Conditions such as diabetes or hypertension that severely damage the kidneys over time

Patients are thoroughly evaluated to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo surgery and post-transplant care.

Donor Criteria

Living donors are often relatives or close contacts who match the recipient's tissue type and blood group. A thorough medical and psychological screening is conducted to ensure donor safety. Deceased donors are individuals who have agreed to donate their organs after brain death. Their kidneys are matched with recipients on waiting lists using immunological and blood compatibility.

Both donor types must have normal kidney function, no transmissible diseases, and be approved by a transplant committee.

Transplant Process

1. Pre-surgical Evaluation: Both recipient and donor (if living) undergo comprehensive testing, including blood typing, cross-matching, imaging, and infection screening.

2. Surgical Procedure: Under general anesthesia, the recipient’s non-functioning kidneys are usually left in place. The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and connected to blood vessels and the bladder.

3. Hospital Stay: The average hospital stay is 7–10 days post-surgery, depending on recovery speed and early kidney function.

4. Immunosuppressive Therapy: After surgery, lifelong medications are prescribed to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new kidney.

💡 Considering a kidney transplant abroad? Contact alaanmed today for expert guidance, specialist matching, and smooth coordination of your treatment journey.

 

Post-Operative Care

For the Recipient:

• Daily medications to suppress the immune response

• Regular monitoring of kidney function (blood tests, ultrasounds)

• Strict hygiene and infection control during the initial months

• A gradual return to normal activity within 6–8 weeks

• Long-term follow-ups to monitor graft function

For the Donor (if living):

• A hospital stay of 3–5 days

• Full recovery typically in 4–6 weeks

• No long-term impact on quality of life or kidney function with proper follow-up

• Encouraged hydration and healthy lifestyle habits post-surgery

Success Rates

Kidney transplantation has a high success rate globally:

• Living donor transplants: ~95% success rate after 1 year

• Deceased donor transplants: ~90% success rate after 1 year

• With modern techniques and medications, many patients live healthy lives 15–20+ years post-transplant.

Common Risks and Challenges

• Organ Rejection: Managed by proper immunosuppressant therapy and monitoring

• Infections: Due to immune suppression, especially in the first few months

• Medication Side Effects: Including increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, or bone loss

• Surgical Complications: Bleeding, blood clots, or delayed kidney function—though rare with experienced teams

Why Choose alaanmed?

alaanmed brings together internationally accredited transplant centers and top-tier transplant surgeons, ensuring patients receive safe, ethical, and advanced care. We coordinate all logistics—from pre-surgical evaluations to post-operative recovery—while offering personalized support and transparent communication every step of the way. With a reputation for high success rates and exceptional patient experience, alaanmed is your trusted choice for kidney transplantation abroad.