Kidney transplantation, what it is

Kidney transplantation is performed in people affected by end-stage renal failure and who require artificial methods of kidney clearance. Renal insufficiency, also known as renal failure, occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter toxins and other waste substances from the blood.

As Urology specialists state, kidney transplantation is a renal function replacement treatment that clearly improves the quality of life of dialysis-dependent patients.

Risks of kidney transplantation

There are certain risks associated with a kidney transplant, among which the following stand out:

  • Vascular problems associated with surgery.
  • Heart problems or stroke
  • Wound infections
  • Side effects of medications that are prescribed to prevent kidney transplant rejection.
  • Loss of transplanted kidney due to other causes

Kidney donation

The transplant is performed with a kidney from a living donor or from a deceased donor. In the case of a living donor, it is usually a related family member. The person must express his or her willingness to donate the organ and must be in excellent health. Kidney donation does not affect the donor’s quality of life or renal function.

After an adequate evaluation of the potential donor, a nephrectomy is performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, to obtain the kidney to be transplanted. The use of this technique allows the donor to quickly return to his or her routine, since it is a short postoperative period that causes little pain.