Kidney failure and its related issues can affect anyone. The condition may be manageable with medication, but in severe cases, a kidney transplantation becomes necessary. A kidney transplantation involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one. In this process, the diseased kidney is removed from the body and a healthy kidney is implanted in its place. The new kidney starts working in your body and over time, your body adjusts to it. Although this treatment process takes some time, following your doctor’s instructions will ultimately lead to success. To learn more about kidney transplantation, the surgical procedure, recovery period, and more, stay with us.
Renal Transplantation
A kidney transplant (or kidney transplant) is a type of surgery performed to treat kidney failure. The kidneys are vital organs in the body that filter waste products from the blood and remove them through urine. They also assist in regulating the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. When the kidneys fail or do not function properly, waste products build up in the body, leading to other health complications.
Treatment options for kidney failure include medication, dialysis, and in severe cases, transplantation. In this procedure, the diseased kidney or kidneys are usually removed and replaced with healthy kidneys.
Kidney Transplant Surgery
Interestingly, a person can live with just one healthy kidney. Therefore, even if both kidneys fail, a single healthy kidney transplant can allow the person to continue living. However, it is essential to understand that this surgery may not be suitable for everyone.
Comparing Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation
Both dialysis and kidney transplants have their advantages and disadvantages. Dialysis is time-consuming and requires a careful schedule. It often involves frequent visits to a dialysis center for treatment, where your blood is cleaned using a dialysis machine. Also, if you are eligible for home dialysis, you will need to purchase the necessary equipment and learn how to use it properly.
On the other hand, a kidney transplant can free you from long-term dependence on dialysis machines and the strict routines associated with them. This allows you to live a more active life. However, a kidney transplant is not suitable for everyone. This includes people with active infections or those who are significantly overweight.
Compatibility Process in Kidney Transplant
One of the important steps before a kidney transplant is the compatibility process. Blood tests are taken from the donor and recipient to determine their blood type (A, B, AB, or O) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA). HLA refers to a group of antigens found on the surface of white blood cells that are responsible for triggering immune responses.
If the donor’s HLA type matches the recipient’s, the body is more likely to accept the kidney without rejection. Each person has six antigens, three of which are inherited from each parent. The more matching antigens there are between the donor and recipient, the better the chances of a successful transplant.
Once the donor is identified, another test is done to make sure the recipient’s antibodies are not attacking the new kidney. This is done by mixing a small sample of the recipient’s blood with the donor’s blood. If the recipient’s blood produces antibodies in response, the transplant will not proceed.
Kidney Transplantation Procedure
Kidney Transplantation Procedure
If you are receiving a kidney from a living donor, the transplant can be scheduled in advance. However, if you are waiting for a deceased donor whose tissue type matches yours, you must be ready to go to the hospital immediately once a donor is identified. Many transplant hospitals give patients pagers or cell phones to ensure they can be reached quickly.
When you arrive at the transplant center, you will need to provide a blood sample for antibody testing. If the compatibility result is negative, you will be selected for surgery.
A kidney transplant is done under general anesthesia, which involves giving you medicine to put you to sleep during the surgery. The anesthetic is delivered through an intravenous (IV) line inserted into your hand or arm.
While you are asleep, the surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen and place the donor kidney. The arteries and veins from the donor kidney are connected to your blood vessels to allow blood to flow to the new kidney.
The surgeon will also connect the ureter from the donor kidney to your bladder so that you can urinate normally. The ureter is the tube that links the kidney to the bladder. Your original kidneys usually remain in place unless they cause complications, such as high blood pressure or infection.
Post-Transplant Care
After a kidney transplant, even if you feel well (as many people do), you will likely need to stay in the hospital for up to a week. The new kidney may start functioning right away, but it may take several weeks for it to fully function.
Kidneys from a family donor usually start working more quickly than kidneys from an unrelated or deceased donor. You can expect some pain around the incision area during the initial healing phase. While you are in the hospital, your doctors will monitor you for complications and put you on a strict regimen of immunosuppressant medications to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney. These medications must be taken daily to prevent rejection of the transplant.
Kidney Transplantation in Iran
Before you leave the hospital, your transplant team will give you specific instructions about how and when to take your medications.
It is very important to fully understand these instructions and ask any necessary questions. In addition, your doctors will schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor the function of your new kidney and make sure your recovery is on track.
Regular check-ups after discharge are essential to assess the function of the new kidney and manage any problems that may arise.
Best Age for Kidney Transplantation
There is no specific age limit for a kidney transplantation. Whenever a person needs a kidney, the transplant should be done as soon as possible. However, the most common age range for a kidney transplant is between 45 and 65 years.
To ensure the best outcome, doctors usually look for a donor who is closer in age to the patient. This increases the chances of a successful transplant and reduces the chance of organ rejection.
Potential Risks of Kidney Transplantation
The most serious risk of a kidney transplant is the possibility that your body rejecting the donor kidney. However, this is rare. Researchers estimate that 90 percent of transplant recipients who receive a kidney from a living donor survive for at least five years after surgery. About 82 percent of those who receive a kidney from a deceased donor live for five years or more.
If you feel unusual pain at the incision site or notice changes in your urine output, it is important to let your transplant team know right away. If your body rejects the new kidney, you may resume dialysis and be reevaluated for a place on the kidney transplant waiting list.
Kidney Transplantation Cost
The cost of a kidney transplant varies considerably depending on the country, medical center, and insurance coverage. In the United States, the average cost can range from $300,000 to $500,000, although with insurance, patients may only pay a portion of this amount, such as deductibles and co-payments.
Kidney Transplantation Information
In the United Kingdom, the cost of a kidney transplant is generally lower, around $75,000. Some countries, such as Iran, Turkey, and India, offer kidney transplants at much more affordable rates, ranging from $11,000 to $30,000. However, the costs can also include additional expenses such as pre-transplant evaluations, post-surgery medications, and aftercare.
Kidney Transplants in Iran
Although kidney transplantation generally offers more benefits than dialysis, it is not easily available in all countries. In some Western countries, including the United States, the only accepted method of kidney transplantation is the use of deceased donor kidneys. These donations come from people who have died from conditions such as brain death or cardiac arrest.
As a result, kidney patients in these countries often face long waiting lists, sometimes up to five years, before receiving a compatible kidney. During this time, they must rely on dialysis treatment. Despite these efforts, statistics from 2016 show that about 7,000 dialysis patients in the United States died that year.
In contrast, Iran stands out globally, performing about 2,500 kidney transplants annually, a remarkable achievement unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Iran’s Achievements in Kidney Transplants
Thanks to innovative medical practices, Iran offers some of the most affordable kidney transplant procedures with an exceptional success rate. Statistics show a success rate of almost 95%, supported by the unparalleled expertise of Iranian medical professionals.
Kidney transplants are often the only option for many patients, especially children. Iran also has the shortest waiting list for kidney transplants. While in developed countries like the United States, the waiting period is between 4 and 12 years, in Iran the wait for a living donor is about 6 months and for a deceased donor is almost a year.
The Iranian Model of Kidney Transplantation
In Iran, since 1988, an innovative approach to kidney transplantation called “Living Non-Related Donor Transplantation” or “Iranian model of kidney transplantation” has been in practice, which is completely legal, hygienic, and supervised.
The Iranian Model of Kidney Transplantation
The Ministry of Health connects kidney patients with living donors who are not biologically related to them. Through the “Iran Kidney Foundation”, patients can find compatible donors and receive a healthy kidney within a reasonable period of time.
Benefits of Kidney Transplantation Using the Iranian Model
- Shorter Waiting Time: The main advantage of this method is that it reduces the waiting time for kidney patients to receive a healthy organ.
- Higher Success Rate: The success rate of a kidney transplant increases when the kidney is donated by a living donor. A transplanted kidney from a living donor usually lasts between 15 and 20 years, while it takes about 10 years for a kidney from a deceased donor.
- Reduced Need for Multiple Transplants: Kidneys from deceased donors, especially those with underlying conditions such as heart attacks, are often of lower quality, increasing the likelihood of needing a second or third transplant.
- Better Organ Quality: In living donor transplants, the donor’s full medical history is reviewed to ensure they are in good health, resulting in a higher quality organ. In contrast, kidneys from deceased donors may be at risk due to underlying conditions.
- Minimize Genetic Risks: Since the donor and recipient are not biologically related, the risk of inheriting genetic conditions that may have caused kidney disease is significantly reduced.
- Lower Costs: The cost of a kidney transplant is close to one-seventh of the cost of long-term dialysis. In addition, the complications and challenges after surgery for the patient are much lower. In Iran, this cost difference is even more pronounced, making transplantation a far more affordable option.
Kidney Transplantation in Iran for International Patients
According to Iranian law, non-Iranians cannot receive a kidney from an Iranian donor. However, the solution is for non-Iranian patients in need of a kidney transplant to bring a suitable donor of the same nationality with them to Iran.
If you are looking for a kidney transplant or are tired of constant dialysis treatments, do not overlook Iran as a leading medical destination. With advanced medical facilities and some of the most affordable healthcare options, Iran offers exceptional opportunities for a successful kidney transplant.
A Healthy Kidney
More Information for kidney Transplant in Iran
The cost of a kidney transplant in Iran is usually between $11,000 and $13,000. The hospital stay is about 7 to 10 days and the procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours. Patients usually need about 8 weeks to fully recover and return to work. If you are traveling to Iran for this procedure, a minimum stay of 10 days is recommended.
Final Word
In conclusion, kidney surgery, including transplantation and treatment of kidney-related diseases, is a vital procedure for those facing kidney failure. With advancements in medical technology and skilled professionals, the success rate of kidney surgery has improved significantly worldwide. Iran, in particular, has become a leading destination for kidney transplants due to its expertise in the field, advanced facilities, and affordable healthcare. The country offers high-quality care with shorter waiting times and impressive success rates, making it an excellent option for patients seeking kidney surgery.
