Kidney transplant is the placement of a healthy kidney from a donor that supplements the function of the diseased kidneys.
Types of kidney transplant
Depending on the provenance of the body:
-
Living donor: voluntary donation
- between genetically identical individuals (no risk of rejection).
- between individuals with a kinship or affective relationship.
- no kinship relationship: cross transplant.
- giving altruistic, "the good Samaritan".
- Giving death: family members authorize the donation.
Depending on the implant site at the recipient:
- Orthotopic: the new kidney occupies the same place as the patient, the patient is removed and the new organ is placed.
- Heterotopic: the new organ occupies a different place than the damaged organ. The diseased kidneys are not removed and the donor implant is implanted in the lower part of the recipient's abdomen.
Advantages of kidney transplantation
- Better quality of life and results.
- Recovery of renal function in most cases.
- It can be performed without going through dialysis (live donor TR, pre-HD carcass TR).
- Does not require vascular / peritoneal access.
- Preservation of health.
- Improvements in the emotional, social and work environment.
Disadvantages of kidney transplantation
- Needs major surgery.
- There is a risk of surgical complications.
- There is a risk of rejection.
- You will need to follow immunosuppressive treatment for life.
- Side effects of medication (lower defenses).
The donor
Who can be a donor?
- Pairs.
- Couple
- Brothers.
- Family members.
- People with a great emotional bond.
- Giving altruistic.
Requirements to be a living donor
- Free and altruistic donation.
- Be of legal age.
- Have a good state of health.
-
Blood group compatibility, otherwise there is the alternative to:
- TR ABO incompatible
- Donor exchange
- Multidisciplinary evaluation: nephrologist, urologist, psychologist ...
- Authorization of the hospital center ethics committee and the civil registry.
Guide in Catalan
Guide in Spanish