Transplantation
Living with a donor organ
Next to the two types of dialysis therapy, a kidney transplant is the third option for the treatment of chronic kidney failure. More than about 475,000 people around the world live with a donor organ.
During a transplant, a donor kidney is implanted in the groin region at the bottom of a patient’s torso. The donor organ takes over the functions of the damaged kidney, which is usually left in the body. However, for the rest of their life, patients must take drugs that prevent their body from rejecting the transplanted organ. Regular check-ups are also necessary following a kidney transplant.
A kidney transplant is not always an option
A number of tests are required to determine if a patient may receive a kidney transplant. Doctors check overall health to ensure a patient has no other illnesses such as infections or tumors as well as no heart or lung disease. In addition, doctors determine a patient’s blood and tissues types. Donor and recipient must have the same blood group and tissue that is as similar as possible to reduce the risk of a rejection reaction.
A lack of donor organs leave patients waiting
The biggest hurdle for kidney transplants is a lack of donor organs. Demand continues to outpace supply, creating increasingly long waiting lists. Little has changed despite continuous exhaustive efforts to regionally raise the awareness and readiness of people to donate a kidney.
For more information about kidney patient care, please visit the UltraCare website of Fresenius Medical Care North America.