Kidney Transplant

What is a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is an operation to replace a damaged, nonfunctional kidney with a donor organ. Your kidneys filter waste products and extra fluid from your blood. When they don’t efficiently clean your blood, harmful waste products and fluid accumulate in your body.

Why would I need a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant is a treatment option for end-stage renal disease, also called kidney failure. Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys lose 90% or more of their functionality. 

Some of the common causes of end-stage renal disease include:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Diabetes
• Chronic inflammation in your kidneys
• Polycystic kidney disease and other genetic conditions
• Lupus and other autoimmune diseases

Many people don’t know they have kidney disease, even in the advanced stages of the disease. You should make an appointment at Houston Kidney Specialists Center if you have symptoms including nausea, changes in how much you urinate, swelling in your feet and legs, or muscle cramps. 

How should I prepare for a kidney transplant?

Your physician at Houston Kidney Specialists Center provides a thorough pre-surgical consultation, including personalized instructions on preparing for your surgery. 

You have a physical exam to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure and confirm that your blood and tissue types match the donor.

You need to fast before the surgery and prepare to recover in the hospital after the operation.

What happens during a kidney transplant?

You have anesthesia during your operation. Your surgeon makes an incision on the side of your abdomen and places the new kidney into your body. They connect the blood vessels and ureter to your new kidney. 

Your surgeon usually leaves your kidneys in place, unless they’re causing complications. For example, damaged kidneys contribute to high blood pressure or develop kidney stones and infection. 

What should I expect after my kidney transplant?

You spend up to a week recovering from your kidney transplant in the hospital. Your doctor monitors your condition, checking to make sure that your body accepts the new organ and that it filters your blood. 

Your doctor reviews your aftercare instructions in detail before releasing you from the hospital. You need to have routine checkups to monitor your kidney function and take medications for the rest of your life to protect your new kidney. 

If you have kidney failure and need a kidney transplant or are looking for an expert surgeon to perform your surgery, call Houston Kidney Specialists Center or schedule an appointment online today.