What is Kidney Transplantation?

Kidney transplantation is a lifesaving procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is surgically placed into a patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or severe kidney failure. This procedure restores kidney function, eliminating the need for long-term dialysis and significantly improving the patient’s quality of life.

Who Needs a Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is recommended for patients with:
✔️ Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
✔️ Severe kidney dysfunction requiring dialysis
✔️ Diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions leading to kidney failure

Types of Kidney Transplants

🔹 Living Donor Transplant – The kidney is donated by a healthy relative or unrelated volunteer, offering better success rates.
🔹 Deceased Donor Transplant – The kidney comes from a brain-dead donor, allocated through organ donation programs.

The Transplant Process

1️⃣ Evaluation & Eligibility – Comprehensive medical tests ensure the patient is fit for transplantation.
2️⃣ Finding a Donor – A suitable match is identified from living or deceased donors.
3️⃣ Surgery – The donor kidney is placed in the lower abdomen, connected to the blood vessels and bladder.
4️⃣ Post-Transplant Care – Patients require lifelong medications to prevent rejection and regular follow-ups with their nephrologist.

Benefits of Kidney Transplantation

✅ Better quality of life compared to dialysis
✅ Increased energy levels and improved health
✅ Fewer dietary restrictions
✅ Longer life expectancy

Risks & Challenges

⚠️ Risk of organ rejection
⚠️ Need for lifelong immunosuppressive medication
⚠️ Risk of infections and complications

Why Choose Dr. Shikha Khandelwal?

Dr. Shikha Khandelwal specializes in kidney transplantation and post-transplant care, ensuring successful outcomes with a patient-focused approach. She provides comprehensive pre- and post-transplant management, helping patients lead healthier lives.