This loss of kidney function, known as end-stage chronic kidney disease or kidney failure , is the most common reason for needing a kidney transplant. It’s possible to partially replicate the functions of the kidney using a blood filtering procedure known as dialysis.
What are the requirements to qualify for a kidney transplant?
A living donor must be in good health and free from diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, kidney or heart disease . Living donors usually are between 18 and 60 years old. The living donor must undergo a series of tests to determine if they are truly compatible with the recipient.
When does a person need kidney transplant?
People suffering from end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure may benefit from getting a kidney transplant instead of living on dialysis. Kidney transplantation offers an overall better quality of life and helps avoid side effects of dialysis.
How do they decide who gets a kidney transplant?
When deciding who gets an available kidney, UNOS considers things about the donor and the person who is getting a kidney (the recipient): The age of the recipient. Blood type of the donor and recipient. The size of the donor kidney compared to the body of the recipient.
What causes the need for a kidney transplant?
You may need a kidney transplant if you have end stage renal disease (ESRD) . This is a permanent condition of kidney failure. It often needs dialysis. This is a process used to remove wastes and other substances from the blood.
Who is not a good candidate for a kidney transplant?
Anyone from children to older adults can get a kidney transplant, but not everyone is healthy enough for one. If your loved one has any of these conditions, they’re not likely to get a transplant: Active or recently treated cancer. Illness that might limit their life to just a few more years.
What disqualifies you for a kidney transplant?
Many factors contribute to whether or not an organ will be offered to you, including, but not limited to: blood type , how long you have had kidney failure, medical urgency, where you live (an organ must be safely transported the distance to the transplant hospital), and in some instances your weight and size compared ...
Is there an age limit for kidney transplant?
Seniors Aren’t Too Old to Get a Transplant
Many of the nation’s transplant centers don’t even have an upper age limit for kidney transplant recipients . Almost half of all Americans suffering from advanced kidney disease are older than 65 and the wait time for hopeful recipients age 65 and older is nearly 4 years.
How much money does a kidney transplant cost?
According to Vimo.com, a health care cost comparison website, the average list price for a kidney transplant is $143,500 , while the average negotiated price, through a health insurance company, is just under $33,500.
What are the disadvantages of having a kidney transplant?
Disadvantages — Kidney transplantation is a major surgical procedure that has risks both during and after the surgery. The risks of the surgery include infection, bleeding, and damage to the surrounding organs . Even death can occur, although this is very rare.
Why don’t they remove the old kidneys during a transplant?
The kidney transplant is placed in the front (anterior) part of the lower abdomen, in the pelvis. The original kidneys are not usually removed unless they are causing severe problems such as uncontrollable high blood pressure, frequent kidney infections , or are greatly enlarged.
What organ has the longest waiting list?
Patients over 50 years of age experienced the longest median waiting times of patients registered on the kidney, kidney-pancreas, pancreas and heart waiting lists.
How much water should a kidney transplant patient drink?
When it comes to the food and drinks you consume, there are a few tips you should follow, including: Staying hydrated. One of the keys to a successful recovery is staying well-hydrated. You should drink plenty of water — typically 2 liters (about 68 ounces) — per day .
Can a male receives a female kidney?
Only in some exceptional conditions, male donor to female recipient kidney transplant may be successful and female donors to male recipients are not suggested , especially in aged patients with the history of dialysis.
Which is better dialysis or kidney transplant?
While both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, studies show that patients who have a successful kidney transplant live longer than patients treated with dialysis. * Also, many patients who have a transplant report having better quality of life compared to being on dialysis.
What happens if you don’t get a kidney transplant?
If you have a kidney transplant that fails, you can usually be put on the waiting list for another transplant. You may need dialysis in the meantime.
