The kidney is a  vital organ roughly the size of a fist. The human body contains two kidneys located near the middle of the back, directly below the chest cage. Kidneys are essential for human survival.

Kidneys Functions:

• Clean toxins and waste out of your blood.
• Balance the amounts of minerals, water and salt level in the body to control your healthy blood pressure.

Diseases that may require a kidney transplant:

• Long-term complications of diabetes.
• Chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Chronic kidney inflammation.
• Polycystic kidney disease.

Kidneys Diseases Prevention:

• Avoid overdose intake of medications, or taking medications without a medical prescription.
• Control chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.
• Maintain healthy weight.
• Maintain physical activity.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Avoid smoking.

What is kidney transplant surgery?

It is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney is transplanted from a living or deceased donor into the lower part of the abdomen of a person with kidney failure, so that they may lead a normal life.
 

What is the duration for which kidney tissues are viable after being removed from the body's donor to transplant it in the recipient's body?

The kidney must be transplanted into the recipient's body within 24-36 hours after being removed from the donor's body.

Conditions for Living Kidney Donation:

• Being over 18 years old.
• Having good physical and mental health in general.
• You should not have any uncontrollable chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, or cancers.
• You should not have active or inactive viral infectious diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.
• The absence of excessive obesity.
• Your blood type and tissues must matched with the patient.

Or by expressing the wish to donate kidneys after death by registering the desire through the Tawakkalna application and sharing it with family.

Instructions to be followed post kidney donation:

• The donor will be in the hospital for a night or two.
• The duration of the recovery period differs between donors based on the donor's health.
• The remaining kidney increases slightly in size over time as the body relies on it to flow more blood and filter body waste.
• The long-term survival rate after a kidney donation is about the same as for people who have not donated a kidney and are in good general health.
• During the first six weeks, avoid pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.
• The donor should adhere to medical follow-up after kidney donation.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with physical activity and a healthy diet.

Facts about kidneys transplantation:

• Transplanting a kidney from a living donor is better than a deceased donor because it ensures that you have a kidney in a more optimal condition.
• Having a living donor reduces the waiting period to receive a kidney.
• The period of time to evaluate the health condition of donor and patient differs among hospitals.

Contraindications of kidneys transplantation:

Many patients and their families seek kidney transplants. In some cases, the transplant team rejects them. Some reasons for rejection are:

• Having advanced cancer.
• HIV infection.
• Acute kidney disease.
• Active bacterial or viral inflammation that is not cured, such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.
• Rare kidney diseases that cause failure of the transplanted kidney.
• Lack of patient support from family and friends.
• Most of the cases where the patient is over 70 years old.

How do I prepare for kidney transplant surgery?

To obtain a kidney from a deceased donor, you will first be evaluated by the transplantation team The team may include:

• kidney transplant surgeon.
• Transplant coordinator.
• Social and psychological specialist.
• Nutrition specialist.
• Anesthesiologist.

The kidneys transplantation evaluation process includes the following:

• Psychological and social assessment. This includes evaluating your stress, financial problems, and family support, as those issues can have a significant impact on the outcome of transplantation.
• Blood tests: Blood tests are needed to help find good matches between donors, this helps reduce the risk of kidney rejection by your body.
• Diagnostic tests: Tests can be done to examine your lungs and overall health. These tests may include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, lung function tests, lung biopsies, and dental examinations.
• Additional tests for women may include cervical screenings, evaluation of gynecological diseases, and mammograms.
• The transplantation team will consider all information from interviews, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to determine your eligibility for kidney transplantation.
• Once you are accepted as a candidate for transplantation, you will be placed on the transplantation list for deceased or living kidney donor.
• When donor tissue becomes available from a deceased person, you will be notified and instructed to come to the hospital immediately to prepare for the transplantation procedure.
  • If there's a kidney living donor, the determination of the producers will be made by the transplant team.

Preparation before kidney transplantation:

• Your transplantation team will explain the procedure to you and give you the opportunity to ask any questions..
• You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives you permission to undergo the surgery. (Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear).
• Healthcare providers may give you specific instructions for preparation.

Instructions to be followed post kidneys transplantation:

• Immunosuppressant medicine will be prescribed to prevent organ rejection by the body.
• Patients will stay in the hospital for approximately one week after surgery.
• Patients may feel pain in the surgical implemented area during the recovery period. (Notify your doctor if it happens).
• Patients must adhere to the recommended periodic examinations after leaving the hospital as advised by the transplant doctor.
• The patient may need blood tests many times after discharge and make adjustments to medications during the next weeks.
• During the first six weeks after surgery, avoid pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.
• Patients must maintain personal hygiene.
• Patients must adhere to follow up appointments with the medical team.
• Patients must take extra skin care for healthy wound healing.

Complications of kidneys transplantation:

• Bleeding and blood clots.
• Leakage or blockage of the tube that connects kidneys to the bladder (ureter).
• Infectious.
• Failed kidney transplantation.
• Infection or cancer from the new kidney.
• Heart attacks or death.

The patient’s life after kidney transplantation:

Better lifestyle. Significant reduction in the risk of death, Fewer dietary restrictions, Lower treatment costs, and Return of normal work life.