Everyone has two kidneys. The kidneys are vital organs that perform several functions. Various diseases can cause lasting damage to the kidneys. If they no longer function adequately, a kidney transplant is often the best treatment method.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for kidney transplantation.
Every healthy person has two kidneys. The kidneys are vital organs that perform several functions: They
If the kidneys can no longer fulfill their tasks, regular dialysis (blood washing) can help under certain circumstances. However, dialysis cannot perform all the tasks of a functioning kidney.
Many people would therefore be better off with a donor kidney, which is then transplanted into the body by means of a kidney transplant operation. After a kidney transplant, the patient's quality of life and life expectancy are higher.
A donor kidney can come from a deceased person or from a living donor. As the body can live well with just one kidney, some people are willing to give up one of their healthy kidneys. Donating a kidney often makes sense, especially among close relatives.
A kidney transplant is the best treatment method for incurable kidney failure. This means that the kidneys no longer function adequately.
Various diseases can cause lasting damage to the kidneys, such as
A kidney transplant involves several stages, which usually include
Unfortunately for patients, far more transplants are needed than organs are available. For this reason, even patients with an acute need have to be put on a waiting list.
It is not possible to predict with certainty how long the patient will actually have to wait for their kidney. The waiting time ranges from a few months to several years.
During the waiting period for a donor kidney, the patient must always be easily accessible. If the patient receives a donor kidney from a living donor, the operation can be planned in the long term. However, if the kidney comes from a deceased person, it must be inserted into the body within a few hours. This means that the operation can be performed at very short notice.
Regardless of the donor, the recipient must undergo many tests to minimize the risks. A cross-match is used to determine whether the foreign organ is compatible with the body.
Even before the operation, patients often receive immunosuppressants that suppress the immune system.
Patients with severe renal insufficiency may undergo dialysis beforehand.
A healthy person has two kidneys. If they no longer work, a kidney transplant is often the best treatment © pixdesign123 | AdobeStock
The first few months after the operation are very important. This is where immunosuppressants play a major role. The patient must take them permanently after the operation, as the body could otherwise reject the foreign organ.
In the first few months after the kidney transplant, the patient must undergo further examinations. During these examinations, the doctor will determine the correct medication.
After this - and as soon as the patient's condition is stable - they can enjoy their new life. Of course, they must take care of their body to ensure long-term success.
There are risks and dangers with every operation. For example, it can lead to
can occur.
There is also the possibility that the body will not accept the donor organ despite all precautionary measures.
There is no general answer as to how long a donor kidney will last. Life expectancy depends on various factors, such as
It is assumed that the highest life expectancy is achieved with an organ donated by a close relative.
Various doctors are involved in a kidney transplant. First and foremost, nephrologists, i.e. kidney specialists, are very important. Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine that primarily deals with kidney and hypertension diseases.
However, surgeons and urologists are also involved in kidney transplants.
The right specialists are essential for long-term therapeutic success, both in pre- and post-operative care and during surgery.
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