The Process of a Kidney Transplant

Written by Aditi Avunuri

A kidney transplant is a life-changing surgery, that essentially swaps a damaged kidney with one in good shape from the donor. This complicated procedure usually takes two to four hours and is an intricate process of preparation and recovery. Now, let us go over the surgery process and what every patient can expect. 

The patients are treated under general anesthesia so that the person remains unconscious without feeling anything painful during surgery. One or more models may be done for transplanting, but generally, a single donor kidney will be placed in the lower abdomen, either in the right or left groin, depending upon the surgical team. The kidney will be transplanted by anastomosis of the renal artery and vein to the blood vessels of the patient to continue the blood circulation. The ureter, which carries urine from the kidney into the bladder, is also surgically connected. A small stent is usually placed inside the connection to make it heal; it is usually removed within several weeks. One would also see tubes or catheters in each arm, in the neck, and one to assist in urination, placed for medications, fluids, and urination need 

Most kidney transplant patients receive a single kidney, but if the donor's kidney is of lower function, physicians may choose to perform a double kidney transplant in

which both kidneys from a single donor are transplanted. Other patients may undergo a pediatric en bloc transplant in which kidneys from a young child are transplanted together in an adult patient to provide optimal function. Surgeons may biopsy the donor kidney during or before transplantation to evaluate its quality. 

The majority of kidney transplants are successful, but complications may occur including infection, bleeding, or blood vessel obstruction. Individuals who have poor function of the bladder may require alternative diversion of urine. After surgery, the patient is closely monitored to ensure the new kidney is working well. 

Typically, patients gradually recover and are able to continue the rest of their life with optimal kidney function. This innovative procedure has improved the lives of many, and will continue to do so for many years to come. 

Sources: 

https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/organ-transplantation/kidney/at-the-transplant-centre/kidney transplant-surgery/#:~:text=The%20donor%20kidney%20is%20transplanted,artery%2C%2 0kidney%20vein%20and%20ureter.&text=This%20shows%20a%20transplanted%20kidney, several%20weeks%20aer%20the%20surgery. 

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/kidney-transplant