Kidney transplantation abroad
A kidney transplant is a surgical intervention that involves replacing an affected (sick) kidney with a healthy one from a donor. Every year, doctors perform thousands of such procedures in the world. Modern medicine allows transplantations to be carried out with great success, which gives patients from different countries a chance to continue their lives better.
Who needs a kidney transplant?
Patients of different ages may need a transplant of this organ - both adults and children may. The surgery is performed if the patient's organ is not performing well, which causes accumulation of uric acid, urea and water in the body.
The main indications for kidney transplantation are nephropathy, polycystic acidosis, kidney trauma, pyelonephritis and congenital kidney diseases.
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Preparation for kidney transplantation
Doctors at foreign clinics carefully examine patients before a kidney transplant, as this step is mandatory for a quality result. During the diagnostics, the individual characteristics of the human body can be discovered and taken into account when planning for the operation. This will improve the accuracy of the surgical procedure. Both the patient who requires a transplant and the donor are examined at the medical centre where the transplant will be performed.
Once the health indicators have been determined, doctors assess the compatibility of the patient and the donor - this stage will indicate whether the surgery can be performed or the search for a suitable organ will continue.
It is important to note that different countries around the world have established their own rules regarding organ donation, which vary considerably. For example, in the countries of the European Union, a person who is a relative of the first degree can become a donor.
Medical centres in Israel allow for third-generation relatives, while Turkish clinics allow third-generation relatives or best friends. At the same time, each party must provide a package of documents confirming the possibility of being a donor and recipient under the laws of the country where the transplant will be performed.
Kidney donation can only be made on a free basis - an attempt to buy or sell a body part is a violation of the law and is prosecuted by law enforcement agencies.
Conducting the operation
Transplantation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, during which a team of specialists monitor the patient's condition. At any moment, doctors are prepared for a crisis and can provide the necessary assistance to the patient.
Foreign clinics use a modern laparoscopic method of kidney transplantation. This means that the surgeon makes a small incision in the groin area and prepares the patient's veins and arteries.
Most kidney transplants are performed in a heterotopic way, where the patient's organ remains in place (this is a safer procedure). The surgeon places the donor's kidney in the iliac region of the small pelvis, after which the blood vessels are sutured and the kidney is given blood supply. Then the doctor connects the bladder to the ureter and sutures the incisions. After this, the surgery is complete.
Thanks to the laparoscopic method of kidney transplantation, the patient feels better in the postoperative period - blood loss is low and the wound heals faster.
What happens after a kidney transplant?
Immediately after a kidney transplant, the patient is in the intensive care unit under specialist supervision. During this period, the patient gets intravenous injections of nutrient solutions that support the body. After a few days, the patient is allowed to walk. If there is no cause for concern, the patient will be discharged two weeks later and will have to come to the clinic again to remove the stitches.
Usually, after such surgery, people can go back to their usual life just a month after the surgery.
However, during this time they should avoid physical activity. The patient must undergo systematic check-ups at the clinic throughout his or her life to monitor the functioning of the transplanted kidney and maintain overall health.
Every person to whom such a transaction has been performed receives recommendations to follow - this will reduce the risk of rejection of the donor body. Among the main points:
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Prognosis after kidney transplantation
To date, medicine has shown good statistics on the results of this operation. During the first year after the intervention, rejection of the transplanted organ is observed in less than 5% of patients. Five-year statistics show that the organ's survival rate is 86%.
In general, after transplantation, the donor organ has been functioning normally in the recipient's body for 15-20 years. At the end of this period, the operation can be repeated.
Complications and contraindications for a kidney transplant
Kidney transplantation can be used to eliminate progressive kidney disease and renal failure, but it is not a "panacea" with 100% effectiveness.
Some forms of kidney disease may return after the transplant.
Health risks associated with kidney transplantation include complications after the surgery itself, rejection of the donor organ and side effects of taking medication (anti-negative or immunosuppressants).
The main reasons why a kidney transplant cannot be performed on a specific patient are:
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How much does it cost to transplant a kidney abroad?
The cost of a kidney transplant abroad is formed based on many criteria, including the patient's general condition, type of surgery, the clinic's pricing policy and the doctor's qualification level.
The approximate cost of a kidney transplant in foreign clinics is estimated:
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|
| India | from $14,000 |
| Spain | from €60,000 |
| Austria | from €110,000 |
| Turkey | from $19,000 |
| Israel | from $110,000 |
| Germany | from €120,000 |
Where are kidney transplants performed abroad?
Kidney transplantation is a complex process that requires special skills from a surgeon. But at the moment, transplantation of this organ cannot be called a "unique procedure", as many clinics around the world are working in this direction.
Doctors at leading foreign hospitals have saved several hundred lives for patients who needed a kidney transplant. More often than not, foreigners come for a kidney transplantation to these medical centres:
You can get detailed advice on a kidney transplant abroad from Mediglobus coordinators. Leave your data in the form below and our experts will contact you. The company's services are free for patients!
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taking medication prescribed by the attending physician; 
