
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor. In India, kidney transplants are widely available and are performed in numerous top-tier hospitals with high success rates.
Indication for Kidney Transplant
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- Severe kidney failure requiring dialysis
- Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis leading to kidney failure
Types of Donors
- Living Donors: A healthy individual (usually a close relative) donates one of their kidneys.
- Deceased Donors: Kidneys are harvested from individuals who have died but have previously agreed to organ donation.
Pre-Transplant Evaluations
- Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive health check-up, including blood tests, imaging studies, and heart evaluation.
- Psychological Evaluation: Ensuring the patient is mentally prepared for the transplant.
- Tissue Matching: Blood type and tissue typing to match donor and recipient.
Procedure
- Surgery Preparation: Administering anesthesia and preparing the patient.
- Removal of Diseased Kidney: Usually, the diseased kidney is left in place unless it’s causing complications.
- Implantation of Donor Kidney: The donor kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and connected to the recipient’s blood vessels and bladder.
- Post-Surgery Care: Monitoring for rejection, infection, and ensuring the kidney functions properly.
Post Transplant Care
- Immunosuppressive Medications: To prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney.
- Regular Monitoring: Routine check-ups to monitor kidney function, blood pressure, and overall health.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Special diet and healthy lifestyle to maintain kidney health.
Success Rate And Outcomes
- Survival Rates: 95% survival rate at one year post-transplant, with 85-90% kidney function survival.
- Quality of Life: Significant improvement in the quality of life compared to dialysis.
Kidney Transplant In India
- India Known for its extensive research and high success rates in organ transplants
- Advanced transplant facilities and experienced surgeons.
- Known for comprehensive transplant programs and post-operative care.
- Offers state-of-the-art technology and experienced nephrologists and transplant surgeons.
- Equipped with advanced transplant technology and a dedicated transplant team.
Legal And Ethical Considerations
- Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994: Governs organ donation and transplantation in India, ensuring ethical practices and preventing organ trafficking.
- Consent: Informed consent from donors and recipients is mandatory.
- Waiting List: Patients are placed on a waiting list for deceased donor kidneys, managed by regional and national transplant organizations.
Cost
- Cost Range: The average cost of a kidney transplant in India ranges from $13,000 – $15,000, but also depending on the hospital and complexity of the case.
- Medical Tourism: Many international patients opt for kidney transplants in India due to the lower costs and high-quality medical care.
India’s robust kidney transplant programs, combined with skilled medical professionals and advanced facilities, make it a leading destination for both domestic and international patients seeking kidney transplants.