The best way to survive: Kidney transplant in Turkey

What is Kidney Transplant Operation?

A kidney transplant is a surgery that swaps a bad kidney for a good one donated by someone else. You can take a kidney for transplant from a deceased or living donor. Doctors use general anesthesia, and it usually takes around 4 hours.

Family members or others who will fit in well can donate one of their kidneys. Live donors provide a part of their liver for transplant. Persons who donate kidneys can continue to live their lives smoothly with a healthy kidney.

Who Can Have a Kidney Transplant?

People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can choose kidney transplantation as a treatment option. ESRD is a condition in which the kidneys can no longer work properly. It happens when people have chronic kidney disease, which slowly gets worse over time.

To get a kidney transplant, you need to have ESRD and be healthy enough for surgery. You also need to take medications to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney. Consequently, individuals with specific other health issues, like heart disease or ongoing cancer, might not be suitable candidates for the transplant.

To get a kidney transplant, a person must take medicine regularly, see their transplant team often, and do lab tests. They also need to follow all the instructions given by the team after surgery.

A team of doctors, surgeons, and social workers assess kidney transplant candidates to determine if they are a good fit.

How to Prepare Before Kidney Transplantation?

Several steps must be completed before a kidney transplant can take place, so preparing for a kidney transplant can take some time.

The process of evaluating a potential transplant candidate includes physical exams, tests, and psychological evaluations. Finding a suitable donor is the next step, and both the candidate and donor must undergo blood tests for compatibility. The candidate must also undergo additional tests to assess their overall health before surgery. The transplant team provides instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and manage medications and lifestyle changes afterwards.

What Happens After a Kidney Transplant Procedure?

After a kidney transplant, the patient takes medicine to keep their immune system from attacking the new kidney. Usually, the patient must keep taking these medicines forever to keep the new kidney safe.

After a kidney transplant, the patient goes through different stages of recovery. After a kidney transplant, the patient goes through various stages of recovery. They stay in the hospital for a few days to a week for monitoring and tests. Although they may experience pain and discomfort, medication is provided to alleviate these symptoms.

Following the transplant, regular check-ups with the transplant team are necessary. These visits may involve tests, examinations, and monitoring the levels of medication that prevent rejection of the new kidney.

They might feel some pain and discomfort, but they are given medicine to help with that. After the transplant, the patient needs to see the transplant team regularly for check-ups. These visits might include tests, exams, and checking the levels of medicine that prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney.

After the transplant, the patient must avoid strenuous activities and continue follow-up care for life.

Kidney Transplantation Procedure in Turkey

Renal transplantation in Turkey is done in a similar way as explained before. However, each hospital and transplant center may have their own protocols and practices.

The process of kidney transplantation involves evaluating the recipient’s health, finding a suitable donor, performing the surgery, and providing post-operative care. The evaluation includes medical tests and consultations with specialists.

Donors can be living or deceased, and their safety and willingness to donate are assessed. The surgery involves removing the donor kidney or retrieving the deceased donor kidney and placing it in the recipient’s lower abdomen or pelvis.

The recipient is given anesthesia, and an incision is made to access the kidneys. The transplanted kidney is connected to the recipient’s blood vessels and ureter. After the surgery, the recipient is closely monitored and given medication to prevent rejection.

Transplant Surgery For Kidneys

Kidney transplant surgery, also known as renal transplantation, is a procedure performed to replace a diseased or failed kidney with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor.

The text describes the process of a kidney transplant surgery. The recipient is given anesthesia, an incision is made in the abdomen, and the native kidneys may be removed if necessary. The healthy donor kidney is then placed in the recipient’s body and connected to the blood vessels and bladder.

After ensuring proper blood flow and urine drainage, the incision is closed and the recipient is closely monitored in the hospital. Immunosuppressive medications are given to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney.

Recovery After Kidney Transplantation

• Kidney transplant recovery is a critical phase that involves close monitoring, follow-up care, and lifestyle adjustments.
• Recipients typically stay in the hospital for a few days to a week after surgery.
• Recipients are prescribed immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney.
• Recipients must follow their doctor’s instructions for taking immunosuppressive medications and attending regular follow-up appointments.
• Recipients are advised to make certain lifestyle modifications to support their recovery and the long-term success of the transplant.

This may include adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking (if applicable), and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

• Recipients must follow proper hygiene practices, receive recommended vaccinations, and avoid contact with individuals who are sick or have infectious diseases.
• Recipients may experience emotional challenges during the kidney transplant process. It is important to seek emotional support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or counseling services.
• Recipients can gradually resume normal activities as they recover and the transplant is successful.

Success Rates Of Kidney Transplants

Kidney transplants boast high success rates, with 95% to 98% survival within the first year. Over the long term, survival remains promising, ranging from 85% to 90% at the five-year mark.

Compared to transplants from deceased donors, those from living donors exhibit superior outcomes. Though possible, the incidence of transplanted kidney rejection has markedly diminished over time. For those contemplating a kidney transplant, it’s crucial to consult your physician regarding individualized risks and advantages.

Living Kidney Donor Transplantation

Living kidney donor transplantation is a procedure in which a healthy kidney is donated by a living individual to a recipient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure.

• Living kidney donor transplantation is a surgery to give a person with kidney failure a new kidney from a living donor.
• Potential donors must undergo a thorough evaluation to make sure they are healthy enough to donate.
• Compatibility between the donor and recipient is assessed through blood tests.
• The surgical procedure is called nephrectomy and can be done laparoscopically or with open surgery.
• After the surgery, the donor typically stays in the hospital for a few days.
• Living donor kidneys generally have better long-term outcomes than deceased donor kidneys.
• Living kidney donation is a generous gift that can save a life.

Cost of Kidney Transplantation

The cost of kidney transplantation can vary a lot. It depends on where the procedure is done, the type of transplant, the hospital, the patient’s insurance, and any other medical complications.

The type of transplant also affects the cost. A living donor transplant is usually less expensive than a deceased donor transplant. This is because living donors do not need to be paid for their kidneys, which saves money.

The hospital where the transplant is done also affects the cost. Some hospitals are more expensive than others.

Kidney Transplant Waiting List

The kidney transplant waiting list refers to the list of individuals who are waiting to receive a kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

• People with ESRD can register for a kidney transplant through a transplant center or OPO.
• When a deceased donor kidney becomes available, it is matched with a recipient based on blood type, tissue matching, waiting time, and medical urgency.
• Waiting time varies widely depending on organ availability, demand, and individual characteristics.
• Some people may receive priority based on medical criteria.
• Individuals on the waiting list need to provide regular updates.
• Living donor transplants can offer shorter wait times and better outcomes.
• Stay in good health, stay in touch with your transplant team, and consider becoming a living donor.

Kidney Donation Eligibility

Are you considering donating a kidney to someone in need? If so, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Below’s a brief overview of what you need to know:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old and in good health.
• Blood type: Your blood type must be compatible with the recipient’s blood type.
• Medical history: You must have a clean medical history and be free of any major health conditions.
• Lifestyle: You must be a nonsmoker and have a healthy lifestyle.

If you meet these criteria, you’ll need to undergo a series of medical tests to determine your final eligibility. These tests will assess your overall health and fitness for donation.

If you’re found to be eligible, you’ll be able to donate a kidney to someone in need. This is a life-saving gift that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

some additional tips for people considering kidney donation:

• Talk to your doctor about your eligibility.
• Do your research and learn about the risks and benefits of kidney donation.
• Consider talking to your family and friends about your decision.
• Make sure you’re emotionally and physically prepared for donation.

Transplantation Risks and Complications

Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure, but it is not without risks. Some of the most common risks and complications associated with transplantation include:

• Rejection: The body’s immune system may reject the transplanted organ. This is the most serious complication of transplantation and can be fatal.
• Infection: The risk of infection is increased after transplantation. This is because the body’s immune system is suppressed to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.
• Grafts versus host disease: This is a rare but serious complication that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the transplanted organ.
• Other complications: Other complications of transplantation can include bleeding, blood clots, and kidney failure.

Alternative Treatments For Kidney Failure

There are other treatments for kidney failure besides transplantation and dialysis. These treatments may vary depending on your individual circumstances.

• Conservative management focuses on managing symptoms and controlling blood pressure.
• Hemodialysis alternatives include peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis.
• Hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration are variations of hemodialysis that remove waste products and toxins from the blood.
• Kidney supportive care focuses on providing symptom relief and supportive care to individuals with advanced kidney failure.
• Investigational therapies are experimental treatments such as stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering approaches.

What is the renal failure?

Renal failure is a serious condition in which the kidneys can no longer function properly. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can be life-threatening.

There are two main types of renal failure: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly, while chronic kidney failure develops over time.

The most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure.

Hospital stay after renal transplantation

• The length of your hospital stay after a kidney transplant will depend on your individual needs and medical condition. However, most people stay in the hospital for 4-5 days.
• During your hospital stay, you will be monitored closely by your healthcare team. They will check your vital signs, incision site, and kidney function.
• You will also receive instructions on how to care for your incision site and take your medications. You will also be given information about how to prevent infection and complications.
• Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to follow up with your healthcare team regularly. They will monitor your kidney function and make sure that you are taking your medications as directed.

Best Kidney Transplant Centers in Turkey

Doctor Murat Tuncer and his team, who are experts in organ transplantation, provide services in the best hospitals in Turkey regarding organ transplantation. Our hospitals, which have given a second life to hundreds of patients in the kidney transplant branch with their technological infrastructure and expert staff, are as follows as of 2023.

• BEYLİKDUZU MEDICANA

• BAHÇELİEVLER MEDICANA

• ATAŞEHİR MEDICANA

Summary

• The average cost of a kidney transplant surgery in Turkey is around $20,000.
• Return to work after kidney transplant is 8 weeks in Turkey
• The success rate of kidney transplantation in Turkey is 97%.
• The hospital stay for kidney transplantation in Turkey is 7 nights. After 7 nights, patients with kidney transplant can continue their treatment at home.
• The recovery period after kidney transplantation in Turkey is 6 weeks.
• Operation time of kidney transplant surgery in Turkey is 2-5 hours.