Curiosities About Kidney

What are the Functions of the Kidney?

The kidneys are organs that perform many important functions in our body. The kidneys control the fluid balance in the body and ensure the expulsion of waste substances. The kidneys, which protect the chemical balances in the body and help secrete hormones, have a great effect on keeping human health under control. 

The kidneys keep the level of water and electrolytes in balance by controlling the fluid balance in the body. It filters the waste materials in the body and allows them to be expelled as urine. Kidneys, allow toxic substances to be removed from the body; they help in the secretion of parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium, phosphorus, and erythrocytes. In addition, the kidneys; also play an important role in the secretion of erythropoietin hormone, which is vital in case of renal failure.

The kidneys, which expose the hormone renin, which must be secreted to regulate blood pressure in the body, allow blood vessels to dilate and ultimately reduce blood pressure.

In Which Cases Is Kidney Transplantation Performed?

Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to expel waste substances and control the fluid balance in the body. This discomfort; may occur with a decrease in the quality of life as a result of factors such as congenital or unhealthy diet, inactivity, and stress. Kidney failure is a serious health problem and, if left untreated, can threaten a person’s life.

Kidney transplantation should be preferred as a treatment method in people with renal insufficiency. The first preferred method of treatment for renal failure is dialysis. But dialysis treatment is a temporary solution and does not improve the quality of life of people with kidney failure. Kidney transplantation, on the other hand, transplants a healthy kidney into the person’s body, targets the functioning of the kidneys, and ensures that the treatment is completed in a short time.

How is Kidney Transplantation Performed?

Kidney transplantation, which is the process of transplanting a healthy kidney from the donor person into the patient’s body, is a serious surgical procedure. The transplant process, which is usually carried out in addition to a treatment that lasts for weeks, is completed as a result of several stages. 

The blood groups, sizes, and other characteristics of the person to be transplanted and the donor (the person who gave the kidney) are compared. At this point, there must be compatibility between the person to be transplanted and the donor. The person to be transplanted begins to receive dialysis (blood purification) treatment due to kidney failure, and toxic substances in his body are excreted. As a result, the patient is ready for kidney transplantation. 

Before starting the transplant process, a surgical intervention is required to remove the donor’s kidney. This procedure is performed by the surgical method under general anesthesia and a part of the donor’s kidney is removed. The donor kidney taken by the surgical method is transplanted into the body of the patient to be transplanted. After the operation is complete, the transplanted person’s body tries to accept the new kidney. If the kidney has not been rejected, the transplanted person can return to normal life and continue treatment for kidney failure. After transplantation, periodic checks are carried out to check the work of the kidneys.

What are the Benefits of Kidney Transplantation?

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving method for people with kidney failure and is more effective than other types of treatment. Thanks to kidney transplantation, a person’s quality of life increases, and they can lead a more active life. The recovery time in the transplantation process, which has a shorter time compared to other treatment methods, is also quite short. This form of treatment may reduce the need for dialysis treatment. Thanks to a kidney transplant, it is possible for people with kidney failure to live healthily for a longer period.

Who is a Good Candidate for Kidney Transplantation?

Kidney transplantation is suitable for all people with kidney failure. However, for a kidney transplantation to be successful, there must be compatibility between the person to be transplanted and the donor (the person who gives the kidney). Blood types, kidney sizes, and other characteristics of the transplanted person and donor are compared. After compliance, a kidney transplant is performed.

Those who have uncontrollable cancer, AIDS, diabetes, hepatitis, and tumors that have spread to different organs in their body are not suitable for kidney transplant treatment or kidney donation. In such cases, the primary goal is to cure any active ailments that the individual has, and then wait for the patient to be ready for kidney transplant treatment.