What is a kidney transplant?
Kidney Transplant
A successful kidney transplant is a more effective treatment for kidney failure than either peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis. However, not everyone may be suitable for transplantation, and not everyone who is suitable may be actually suitable at all times. Also, before a transplant can take place, it is necessary to find an appropriate donor kidney, which may not be that easy.
Kidney Transplant Operations
The first kidney transplant operations were performed back in the 1950s. The operation itself is usually straightforward, with a very good success rate in the United Kingdom.
After a transplant, patients will need to take prescribed medication for the rest of their lives. If a transplant sadly fails, patients can go back to dialysis or possibly be able to receive another transplant.
Not all kidneys work straight away kidneys can go to sleep (Delayed Graft Function: known as DGF seen up-to 40% of cases initially) and the transplant patient may need dialysis until the kidney transplant starts functioning.
The Benefits of a Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant can deliver the best quality of life to people with established renal failure (ERF). There is no doubt that for the right person at the right time, a transplant is the best treatment option.
A ‘good’ transplant provides about 50% of the function of two normal kidneys (compared with only about 5% from either type of dialysis) Dual kidney transplants: Sometimes a patient may be offered both kidneys from the same deceased donor as each kidney alone is anticipated to be marginal and may not provide enough renal function by itself.
The most obvious advantage of a transplant to people with kidney failure is freedom from dialysis. If a transplant works well, dialysis becomes a thing of the past. There are also no fluid or dietary restrictions after a transplant, which sadly patients on dialysis often face. Most people who have had a transplant feel better and have more energy than they did on dialysis. They are more able to cope with employment and many find that their sex lives improve. Often peoples mental health also improves significantly following a successful kidney transplant.
Can everyone on Dialysis have a Kidney Transplant?
Do expect to have a lot of tests to make sure you are actually suitable to receive a transplant.
Please do not expect a transplant to solve other medical problems such as heart disease.
Please do not expect to go onto the transplant list automatically – you may not be suitable.
If you are placed onto the transplant list – Patients under the care of UHNM are usually either listed for their procedure at either the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham (UHB) or at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI).
Your renal team will explain to you which Hospital you will be listed under.
Would you like to join us?
Become a member of the the NSSCKPA
Our members are at the very heart of the North Staffs & South Cheshire Kidney Patient Association. Find out more about becoming a member today.
