
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is indeed a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from either a living or deceased donor is implanted into a person with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney failure. This procedure aims to replace the non-functioning kidneys with a healthy one, allowing the recipient to regain kidney function and often improving their overall health and quality of life significantly. Transplantation is considered the best treatment option for many patients with irreversible kidney failure.
BKC has performed over 855 successful kidney transplants, establishing itself as a leading transplant centre in the state. Our team of skilled surgeons has achieved one of the highest success rates in medical science by performing kidney transplants from both live and deceased donors. Kidney transplantation is categorized into deceased-donor and living-donor procedures depending on the source of the organ donor. At BKC, our surgeons bring extensive medical backgrounds and utilize cutting-edge technologies, contributing to our unprecedented success rate in kidney transplantation. Patients trust BKC for our commitment to excellence in transplant medicine.
Department of Kidney Transplant
Banashankari Kidney Care Centre at Gleneagles BGS Hospital in Bangalore is renowned for its exceptional care in kidney transplantation, an essential procedure for those facing renal failure. The kidneys play a critical role in filtering toxins from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and producing erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production. When kidney function drops below 20%, patients may require either dialysis or a kidney transplant.
A kidney transplant team typically consists of various healthcare professionals who work together to evaluate, prepare, perform, and manage kidney transplant procedures.
The kidney transplant team at Banashankari Kidney Care Centre includes several specialized professionals:
- Transplant Surgeon: Performs the kidney transplant surgery and oversees the surgical aspects of the procedure.
- Nephrologist (Transplant Specialist): Manages the medical aspects of the transplant process, including evaluating the recipient’s overall health and managing their care before and after surgery.
- Transplant Coordinator: Acts as a central point of contact throughout the transplant process, coordinating appointments, tests, and communications between the patient, family, and the transplant team.
- Transplant Nurses: Provide specialized nursing care before, during, and after the transplant surgery, including monitoring the patient’s condition and educating them about post-transplant care.
- Social Worker: Assesses the social and emotional needs of the patient and their family, provides counselling and support, and helps with financial and logistical aspects of the transplant process.
- Nutritionist/Dietician: Helps optimize the patient’s diet before and after surgery to support healing, manage medications, and maintain overall health.
- Psychologist/Psychiatrist: Evaluates the patient’s mental health and provides support and counselling to help cope with the emotional challenges of the transplant process.
- Anaesthesiologist: Administers anaesthesia during the transplant surgery and monitors the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure.
- Laboratory Technicians: Perform various tests and analyses to assess compatibility between the donor and recipient, including blood typing, tissue matching, and antibody screening.
- Pharmacist: Specializes in transplant medications and helps manage the complex medication regimen that patients need to take before and after transplant to prevent rejection and manage other health issues.
Each member of the kidney transplant team plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the transplant procedure and the well-being of the patient before, during, and after surgery. They work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care and support to both the transplant recipient and their family.
Banashankari Kidney Care Centre prides itself on providing world-class service throughout the transplant process, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care from beginning to end.
Why choose BKC for Kidney Transplantation services?
Banashankari Kidney Care Centre at Gleneagles BGS Hospitals in Bangalore is dedicated to providing top-notch care for kidney-related issues, particularly kidney transplant surgeries. We emphasize the importance of expert care and immediate assistance for kidney malfunction and renal failure, recognizing the potential impact on other body systems.
The centre prides itself on having the best specialists and surgeons in Bangalore, specifically focusing on kidney transplantation surgeries. We highlight the comprehensive care approach, not only during the surgery but also in the crucial after-care phase. This includes the attention of trained nurses and para-medical staff to ensure patients receive optimal support post-surgery.
The centre is led by reputed professionals, including the best kidney transplant doctor in Bangalore, whose expertise has earned national recognition. We aim to deliver exceptional services with guaranteed results, promising to meet patient expectations effectively.
Overall, Banashankari Kidney Care Centre appears to be a reliable choice for individuals seeking advanced care and treatment for kidney issues, particularly those requiring transplantation.
The achievements of Banashankari Kidney Care Centre at Gleneagles BGS Hospitals in kidney transplantation are impressive and demonstrate our leadership in the field
Overall, Banashankari Kidney Care Centre not only excels in performing a high volume of kidney transplants but also leads in specialized and innovative approaches to transplantation, contributing significantly to advancing kidney care in Karnataka and beyond.
Diagnostic Capabilities at Our Centre
Initial Assessment and Consultation
• Family History Discussion: Understanding genetic predispositions.
• Symptom Evaluation: Identifying observable signs of kidney dysfunction.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
• Blood Tests: Assessing kidney function through specific markers.
• Urine Tests: Analysing urine for abnormalities indicative of kidney problems.
• Ultrasound Imaging: Utilized for visualizing kidney structure and identifying abnormalities.
• Biopsy: Conducted if needed for a detailed tissue examination to confirm diagnosis.
Comprehensive Care Approach
Our approach focuses not only on accurate diagnosis but also on managing associated health conditions to ensure holistic patient care:
• High Blood Pressure Management: Addressing hypertension through tailored treatment plans.
• Heart Disease Prevention: Monitoring cardiovascular health closely in patients with kidney issues.
• Anaemia Treatment: Managing erythropoietin production to alleviate anaemic conditions.
Collaborative Care Team
We have a team of leading kidney transplant specialists in Bangalore dedicated to providing personalized care plans. This includes:
• Dietary Planning: Customized meal plans to support kidney health.
• Medication Review: Regular assessments to optimize treatment effectiveness.
Early Detection and Intervention
Early diagnosis is crucial in managing kidney failure and preventing complications in other body systems. Our centre offers state-of-the-art facilities for early detection and prompt intervention.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Failure?
Symptoms of kidney failure can vary depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Here are some common symptoms:
Generic Symptoms:
- Decreased urine output: This may indicate that the kidneys are not filtering fluids properly.
- Swelling in limbs (oedema): Due to retention of water and salts.
- Difficulty in breathing: This can occur due to fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary oedema).
Advanced Symptoms:
- Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can result from the build-up of waste products in the blood.
- Foamy urine: Proteinuria, where protein leaks into the urine, causing it to appear foamy.
- Insomnia: Difficulty in sleeping can occur due to physical discomfort or restless legs syndrome.
- Weight loss: This can be due to loss of appetite and metabolic changes associated with kidney failure.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Treatment Procedures:
At Banashankari Kidney Care Centre, we offer advanced treatment options tailored to each patient’s condition:
Haemodialysis: This mechanical process cleans the blood using a dialysis machine, removing toxins and excess fluids when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function adequately.
Kidney Transplant: A kidney transplant involves surgically replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. This procedure offers a more permanent solution compared to dialysis, allowing recipients to lead a more normal life without regular dialysis treatments.
It’s important to note that individuals with conditions like diabetes may also be candidates for kidney transplant, but thorough evaluation is necessary to assess risks and suitability for the procedure.
What are the different types of kidney transplant?
Yes, those are indeed the three main types of kidney transplants:
Living Donor Transplant: This type involves a healthy person donating one of their kidneys to a person with kidney failure. Living donor transplants can come from related donors.
Paired Kidney Exchange (also known as Paired Donation): In situations where a potential living donor is incompatible with the intended recipient (due to blood type or tissue incompatibility), paired kidney exchange programs arrange swaps between two donor/recipient pairs to find compatible matches. This allows each recipient to receive a kidney from a compatible donor.
Deceased Donor Transplant: This involves receiving a kidney from a deceased donor, typically someone who has died and donated their organs. Deceased donor kidneys are allocated based on factors such as blood type, tissue matching, time on the waiting list, and medical urgency.
Pre-emptive kidney transplants, as you mentioned, are another category where a transplant occurs before the patient starts dialysis due to advanced kidney disease.
Each type of transplant has its own advantages and considerations, and the suitability of each option depends on factors such as the patient’s health, compatibility with potential donors, and availability of organs.
Kidney Transplantation in BKC
The Kidney Transplant Program at Banashankari Kidney Care is renowned for its comprehensive approach to treating end-stage kidney failure. We bring together a highly experienced team of kidney transplant surgeons, physicians and specialists who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
The program begins with a thorough investigation to assess the viability of a kidney transplant and to evaluate the patient’s physical and mental readiness for the procedure. This initial step is crucial in determining the potential success of the transplant.
Following the assessment, the kidney transplant team guides patients and caregivers through the entire process, ensuring they understand each stage, from pre-transplant preparation to post-transplant care and rehabilitation. The multidisciplinary team includes Nephrologists, Intensivists, anaesthesiologists, Transplant surgeons, coordinators, nurses, care managers, physiotherapists, dieticians, and other clinicians. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care and support throughout their transplant journey.
At Banashankari Kidney Care, we emphasize a patient-centric approach, aiming not only for successful surgeries but also for post-transplant recovery that enables patients to lead full and healthy lives. The centre prides itself on providing world-class facilities and a supportive environment, making it a leading choice for kidney transplant and renal failure treatment in Bangalore.
What happens during a kidney transplant surgery?
The procedure typically proceeds as follows:
- Preparation: The patient is prepared for surgery, which includes anaesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the operation.
- Incision: A surgical incision is made in the lower abdomen or the side of the abdomen, where the new kidney will be placed.
- Placement of the Donor Kidney: The donor kidney, whether from a living or deceased donor, is carefully implanted into the recipient’s body. It is usually placed in the lower abdomen, rather than removing the recipient’s own kidneys, unless there are specific medical reasons to remove them.
- Connection of Blood Vessels: The surgeon connects the donor kidney’s blood vessels (renal artery and vein) to the recipient’s blood vessels, usually the iliac artery and vein. This connection is crucial for the proper circulation of blood through the new kidney.
- Connection of the Ureter: The ureter of the donor kidney, which carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, is connected to the recipient’s bladder. This allows urine produced by the new kidney to be excreted normally.
- Closure: After ensuring that the new kidney is functioning properly and there are no complications, the surgical incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples.
- Recovery: The patient is moved to a recovery room where they are monitored closely as they wake up from anaesthesia. They will remain in the hospital for several days to a week for observation and to ensure the kidney is functioning well.
- Post-operative Care: After discharge from the hospital, the patient will need to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection of the donor kidney. Regular follow-up visits with doctors are necessary to monitor kidney function and overall health.
The recovery time and the functioning of the new kidney can vary depending on whether the donor was living or deceased. A kidney from a living donor typically starts functioning almost immediately, whereas a kidney from a deceased donor may take a week or two to function fully. Until the new kidney is fully functional, the patient may still require dialysis to help filter waste from the blood.