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Kidney Transplant

Kidney transplant in India with highest success rates

Can you imagine that over 2 million people worldwide currently rely on dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue around the world. Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who require renal replacement therapy (life support treatment for renal failure) are estimated to number between 4.902 million and 7.083 million in the world.

Luckily, you no longer need to endure the pain of undergoing dialysis for a lifetime. With a kidney transplant in India, take the first step towards regaining your health and a journey towards a pain-free life. The intervention of robotic technology has made minimally invasive surgery with absolute precision and accuracy possible which benefits the patients with faster recovery, smaller scars, and lesser blood loss.

Let’s meet one of our patients Linda from Cape Town, South Africa.

Linda is a 43-year-old mother of three children and works in a bank. She was a diabetic and had high blood pressure for over eight years, she was all too familiar with the need for maintaining her health and following up on doctors’ appointments. 

Linda’s diabetes and high BP had caused one of her kidneys to fail, which led to congestive heart failure.

kidney transplant in India
kidney transplantation in india

Linda’s health was deteriorating slowly and she was experiencing fatigue, constant back pain, and swelling in the hands and legs.

Linda met the doctor and did an investigation as per the recommendations. The results of the kidney function test confirmed that her kidneys had failed. 

Her GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) level was 12. GRF levels show doctors how the patient’s kidneys are functioning and when the level goes below 15, the patient is in the end stage of renal disease. The doctor gave her the life-altering news that she would need to undergo dialysis.

After three years on dialysis, Linda’s health was declining fast and the doctor advised her for a kidney transplant. Linda’s son and daughter were both, willing to give their kidney to her mother. 

Linda and her family were looking best and most affordable kidney transplantation option. Linda’s elder son Tobey was looking for kidney transplant options and his research ended in India where he saw excellent medical services and affordable options. 

Tobey visited the MedicoExperts website and left the inquiry on behalf of his mother and the MedicoExperts team got in touch with him. They explained the treatment procedure and documentation. The MedicoExperts team also arranged an online video consultation for Linda with a Surgical Nephrologist. Linda and her family’s doubts regarding the transplantation were cleared.

The doctor suggested Tobey and his sister should do the HLA test to check the best match for transplantation. They did the test and Tobey’s was found to be the best match. The MedicoExperts team also guided Linda and her family for documentation and process. 

After 20 days, Linda along with Tobey and her husband landed in India. On the same day, Linda and Tobey were admitted to the hospital, and pre-evaluation tests were performed. All of their reports indicated that the transplant surgery could be performed successfully.

On the surgery day, the surgeon performed the kidney transplant successfully. The doctor checked all the parameters of Linda and her body had perfectly accepted Tobey’s kidney. Tobey’s kidney has given a second life to his mother. 

Linda and her family thanked doctors and MedicoExperts for the treatment. Today, she requires no dialysis, and her energy level is high she is also planning to join the bank soon. Tobey is also excellent. 

Inspiring, isn’t it?

Now let’s understand what is kidney transplant and how it works.

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kidney transplantation in india

What is a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgery that involves transferring a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor to someone whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly.

When your kidneys lose their ability to filter, harmful fluid levels and waste start to accumulate in your body, which may increase your BP and result in kidney failure. End-stage kidney disease occurs when the kidneys have lost about 90% of their ability to function normally.

types

What are the different types of kidney transplants?

Organs for kidney transplants come from both living and deceased donors.

A deceased donor is someone who recently died from causes that do not affect the organ to be transplanted. Organs of deceased donors usually come from people who chose to donate their organs before their death by signing an organ donor card. Authorization to donate may also be provided by the family of the deceased at the time of death.

Kidney transplantation from a deceased donor happens when a kidney is taken from a deceased donor and is surgically transplanted to the body of a recipient who has malfunctioning kidneys.

Organ types from deceased donors

Several types of kidneys are available from deceased donors. They are used to describe certain anatomical, biological, and social characteristics of donor organs. You can decide not to receive one or all of them, and you can change your mind at any time.

  1. Standardized Criteria Donors:  Donors who are under 50 years of age, and do not meet any of the criteria mentioned below, are assigned to donors under the expanded criteria.
  2. Expanded Criteria Donors: These organs are from donors over the age of 50 who also have two or more of the following criteria – history of high blood pressure, the donor died of a stroke or had creatinine over the normal laboratory value (1.5 mg/dl). In the U.S., approximately 15% to 20% of donors meet the expanded criteria.
  3. Donors with high-risk social behavior: These donors are people who, at one point in their lives, have engaged in high-risk behavior for sexually transmitted diseases, drug use, or have been incarcerated. All of these donors are screened for infectious diseases at the time of organ retrieval. You will be made aware of the high-risk behavior.

All these kidneys provide suitable organs for transplantation, and all are expected to provide good results with good organ function. However, the results may vary by 5 to 10% lower than with standard criteria organs. Accepting a kidney from the standard criteria donors can significantly reduce your wait time.

A living donor transplant is an intervention where a kidney is removed from a healthy donor and surgically placed in someone with kidney failure. The living donor is generally a member of the immediate family (parent, brother sister, or child). The living donor may also be an uncle, aunt, cousin, or partner. Living donors’ kidneys can also come from people who want to help someone who needs a kidney.

A kidney transplant from a living donor has many advantages over a kidney transplant from a deceased donor, the best one is the much higher success rate of it. Additional factors include:

The kidney of a living donor usually works right after the transplant. The live donor transplant can be scheduled to help the recipient and donor to prepare. 

But you may not know when a deceased donor kidney will be available, and the surgery needs to be done immediately after it is available. Here you need to remember that if the kidney is donated by a blood relative, there may be a lower risk of rejection.

diagnosis

What tests are done before a Kidney Transplantation?

In preparation for a Kidney Transplantation, the healthcare provider may ask you to undergo a series of comprehensive tests to assess your suitability and ensure optimal transplant outcomes. Here are the tests.

To find a suitable donor, you need to know your blood group. This is a simple blood test to confirm whether your donor has the same blood group as you.

Doctors also need to confirm the tissue type required to help the transplant team determine how well you match a donated kidney. A  blood test is used to determine your tissue type. The transplant team will examine your tissue type and compare it to potential donors to determine whether the donor’s kidney is suitable for transplantation.

Your blood will be tested for infection and diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C), as well as to keep track of your overall health.

What makes a good kidney donor?

Biological siblings are typically preferred as living kidney donors due to their higher likelihood of compatibility. However, with advances in medication and treatment to prevent rejection, Besides, The success rate of kidney transplants performed by live unrelated donors is almost equal to that of live donors.

Hence, anyone can be considered a donor if their blood type matches. So, most people with excellent health and aged 18 to 60 are potential donors. All living donors are evaluated on an individual basis. 

It is important to note that all prospective kidney donors must provide written confirmation that their decision to donate is voluntary, without any coercion or significant compensation.

Advance kidney transplant in India, good kidney donor
What are the symptoms of end-stage kidney disease

What are the symptoms of end-stage kidney disease?

You may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • A decrease in how much you urinate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Fatigue
  • Malaise, or a general ill feeling
  • Headaches
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dry skin and itching
  • Changes in skin color
  • Bone pain
  • Confusion and difficulty concentrating
  • Sleeping problems, like obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome (RLS)
  • Low libido or impotence
  • Edema, or swelling, especially in your legs and hands

Why would you require a kidney transplant?

You may require a kidney transplant if you have end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure and need dialysis to stay alive. Dialysis is a method used to remove waste and other materials from the blood.

Certain kidney conditions that can lead to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) include:

  • Kidney failure as a result of diabetes or hypertension
  • Polycystic kidney disease and other hereditary disorders.
  • Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney’s filtration units.
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare disease with kidney failure.
  • Lupus and other disorders of the immune system.
  • Kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or certain types of cancer can block the urinary tract for a long time.
  • Other diseases, such as congenital kidney abnormalities, may require kidney transplantation.

There may be additional reasons for your health care provider to recommend a renal transplant.

success rate of kidney transplant in India, kidney transplantation in india

Why you should do your kidney transplant in India?

Here are a few reasons you should consider India for your kidney transplant.

India has a huge network of hospitals, ranging from world-class medical facilities to mid-range and state-owned hospitals offering world-class medical care. This gives the patient the advantage of selecting a hospital based on their preference for the city and the surgeon.

Indian doctors are well-known and respected across the globe. They are regarded as extremely qualified and competent. Some of the top doctors in India are also foreign-trained and represent or are part of the panel of doctors.

The best hospitals in India are mostly situated in metropolitan cities and are well-served by public transport and international airports.

How to prepare for a kidney transplant?

Here are the essential steps and preparations for a successful kidney transplant.

A full health evaluation by a transplant team at a transplant center is required to find out whether you are fit for a kidney transplant. You may require the following tests:

You may require the following tests:

  • Blood and tissue type tests
  • Kidney function test and GFR
  • Ultrasonography of abdomen
  • Tests for HIV and hepatitis
  • Prostate exam (for men)
  • Mammogram and Pap smear (for women)
  • Heart and lung exams
  • Kidney and liver tests
  • Colon exam (colonoscopy)

Since a kidney transplant is a major surgery, you need to be physically and mentally prepared for it.  That’s why, a mental health evaluation is also required as part of the kidney transplant evaluation.

During the kidney transplant surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia, and an incision will be made in your lower abdomen. The donor kidney will be then surgically placed into your pelvis. 

The surgeon will connect the kidney’s blood vessels to your blood vessels and attach the ureter to the bladder, allowing urine to flow from the new kidney. The entire procedure will be carefully planned to ensure the proper functioning of the transplanted kidney. 

Post-surgery, the doctors will closely monitor for any signs of complications, and they will initiate a comprehensive recovery plan to promote healing and successful adaptation to the new kidney.

 This procedure takes between 2 and 4 hours.

Here’s what happens during the recovery period of a kidney transplant:

  • In the hospital after the transplant surgery, the doctor will be closely monitoring you. Generally, you will spend several days in the hospital while recovering.
  • Your transplant team will adjust your immunosuppressive medications and keep a close eye on you for signs that your body is adjusting to the new kidney.
  • One day after your surgery, the transplant team will advise you to get up and begin slowly moving around.
  • You will be discharged from the hospital and will continue to recover at home once you have recovered sufficiently to go home safely.

Here’s what you need to do at home for faster recovery.

  • Once you return home, you must follow the transplant team’s instructions for taking care of your body after the surgery.
  • You should avoid heavy lifting, as it puts stress on the area where the surgery was performed.
  • You have to regularly monitor your weight and blood pressure.
  • If you notice anything unusual or different in your health, contact your doctor right away.

On average, it takes six weeks for the surgery site to heal completely.

How-to-prepare-for-kidney-transplant-in-India

How to choose the best hospital for kidney transplants in India?

When selecting a hospital in India for a kidney transplant you must ensure that the hospital provides world-class care and is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology. You should look for a hospital that is JCI/NABH accredited.

The surgeons at the hospital are highly skilled and experienced, with a focus on patient safety, treatment, and success rate.

In addition to choosing a hospital that offers the most up-to-date medical approach, you must ensure that the hospital has a dedicated unit for people undergoing transplants for efficient pre- and post-transplant care.

How to choose the best doctor for your kidney transplant in India?

It is important to choose the best kidney transplant surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.

You must consider the following factors while selecting a doctor for a kidney transplant.

  • Evaluate the following qualifications for kidney transplantation: Fellowship in Multi-Organ and kidney transplantation and/or DM (Nephrology). 
  • Check the number of surgeries that have been performed.
  • The success rate should be more than 90 percent.

MedicoExperts empanel doctors are created on the basis of the above criteria.

How-to-prepare-for-kidney-transplant-in-India
How-to-prepare-for-kidney-transplant-in-India

Guidelines for a kidney transplant in India

Here are some of the guidelines you need to follow for a successful kidney transplant in India.

  • For a living donor kidney transplant, the donor must be either a sibling, son, daughter, parent, grandparent, or grandchild of the recipient (patient). If there is no match in the first relation, then relatives with kidney match can be the doner. It can be a non-relative donor too if the kidney matches with the recipient.
  • A kidney transplantation team will look at the patient based on all available medical reports. Both the donor and the patient will have to undergo diagnostic tests such as Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing and blood tests.
  • The transplant team assesses donor compatibility according to HLA testing. If the patient's HLA type is consistent with the donor, it is more likely that the patient's body will not reject the kidney.
  • A certificate of non-objection is issued to the patient by the high commission of the patient's country of origin in India, which is then presented to the hospital.
  • Cases are then submitted to the transplant board for authorization. The patient will have to submit all necessary documents for the approval of the Transplant Committee.
  • Lastly, for a transplant to take place, approval of the Committee

A state-of-the-art robotic kidney transplant in India

The advanced robotic kidney transplantation in India is a highly successful new procedure. In this minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon carries out a small incision of 4 to 5 cm that benefits the patient with an easy and faster recovery. With the precision of the robot, the kidney transplant surgeon can carry out the surgery in an expert manner with clarity and precision.

Following a robotic kidney transplant in India, the patient has overall better health, quick recovery, and comparatively less blood loss and a minor scar.

robotic kidney transplantation
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transplant cost

What is the cost of kidney transplant in India?

The cost of a kidney transplant in India ranges from USD 13,000 to USD 15,000 (971586 – 1121061 INR). 

It is estimated that a medical tourist usually saves up to half of his money the way he would ideally do in any other country for a kidney transplant.

success rate

The success rate of kidney transplants in India

The success rate of kidney transplant in India is one of the highest in the world. The current success rate is about 90 percent.

However, many other factors influence kidney transplant success rate, such as hospital choice, surgical expertise, post-operative care teams, matching tissue and donor compatibility, whether the donor is blood-related, and more.

Post-surgical infection is an important risk that can affect the success rate, so choose a hospital with the best hygiene standards to ensure you don’t have infections.

After a successful kidney transplant in India, the patient will no longer need dialysis as the newly received kidney will filter blood for the body.

success rate of heart transplant, neurosurgery in india

Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:

1. How to get a kidney for transplant in India?

Many people seeking a kidney transplant are on a waiting list and must undergo dialysis until an organ is available. A kidney can come from a parent, a non-family living person, or a deceased person (deceased donor or donor); only one kidney is needed to survive.

2. What tests are done before a kidney transplant?

Blood tests to check suitability for any surgical procedure and to make sure there are no infections. ECG, ECHO, or cardiac catheterization (if required) are performed. A chest and abdomen radiograph and an ultrasound of the KUB region are also performed. 

  • Blood tests include: Blood type, count, urea, serum creatinine, electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, albumin levels, liver function tests, coagulation profile, thyroid hormone levels, HbA1c
  • Serologic testing of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. 
  • Pregnancy test for women with potential fertility.
  • Urinalysis for proteinuria and bacteria.
  • x-ray 
  • ECG

Additional tests to check heart disease and major complications.

3. After a kidney transplant, how long can you live?

For example, a 30-year-old patient on dialysis would have a 15-year lifetime. With a kidney transplant from a deceased donor (a kidney from a person with brain death), life expectancy increases to 30 years. More importantly, a live donor kidney transplant increases life expectancy to 40 years.

4. What is cross-matching in kidney transplants?

To test a recipient of these antibodies, a sample of his blood is mixed with a blood sample from the prospective donor. This test is called “cross-match” and shows how the receptor antibodies react with those of the potential donor. Test results may be positive or negative.

5. What are the treatment options for ESKD?

Two options for End-Stage Kidney Disease in allopathy:

  • Life-Long Dialysis
  • Kidney Transplantation

6. How long will the recovery take?

On average, it takes six weeks for the surgery location to heal completely.

7. Is a kidney transplant better than dialysis?

For many people with severe chronic kidney disease, kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice because the quality of life and survival (life expectancy) is often better than in dialysis patients.

8. What is the quality of life after a kidney transplant?

 Your energy and health will improve. In fact, a successful kidney transplant may allow you to resume your previous lifestyle before developing kidney disease. People who receive kidney transplants live longer than those who remain on dialysis, according to studies.

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MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver

  • Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
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