A kidney transplant is a life-changing surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or failing kidney with a healthy one from either a deceased donor or a living donor (often a family member or friend). This operation is considered the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition where the kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste products from the blood, leading to a dangerous buildup of toxins in the body.
The process involves implanting the new kidney into the lower abdomen and connecting its blood vessels to the recipient’s, as well as connecting the new kidney’s ureter to the bladder. The failing kidneys are usually left in place unless they are causing complications.
Benefits of a successful kidney transplant include significantly improved quality of life, increased energy levels, fewer dietary restrictions, and often a longer life expectancy compared to remaining on long-term dialysis.
However, transplantation is a major surgery with inherent risks, and patients must adhere to a strict lifelong regimen of immunosuppressant medications. These drugs are crucial to prevent the recipient’s immune system from rejecting the new organ, but they also carry side effects and increase the risk of infections and other health issues. Despite these challenges, for eligible patients, a kidney transplant offers the best chance at a healthier, more active life.