Kidney transplant

Nurse: Good morning Sir. How are you doing today?

Patient: Not very well, I have to say.

Nurse: I’m seeing you today for the evolution of your kidney failure. This indicates an end-stage renal disease, with accumulation of toxic waste in your body. Since dialysis is not working as it should, doctors have decided that transplantation is required.

Patient: Can you tell me how this transplant works?

Nurse: Sure. A healthy kidney is grafted inside your body to do the work your own ones can no longer do.

Patient: What are the advantages of this procedure?

Nurse: The good side is that there are fewer limits on what you can eat and drink, but you should follow a heart-healthy diet and plenty of fluids so that your health and energy improve. In fact, a successful kidney transplant may allow you to live your life like before your disease.

Patient: What are the risks, though?

Nurse: As with any grafting procedure, you will need to take anti-rejection drugs for as long as your new kidney is working. These are immunosuppressants that lower the body’s ability to reject a transplanted organ. But this can have side effects.

Patient: What side effect do you mean?

Nurse: You will have a higher risk for infections and stomach upset, and maybe certain types of cancer.

Patient: But where do I get a kidney from?

Nurse: A donated kidney may come from a deceased donor, who donated a healthy kidney. This can also come from a living donor, who may be a blood relative, like a brother or sister for genetic compatibility, or non-blood relative, like a husband or wife who has been sharing life for at least two years with the recipient. They can also come from a friend or even a stranger. A genetic link between donor and recipient is not always required. This is largely due to improved anti-rejection medications.

Patient: And how is the surgery carried out?

Nurse: The surgeon leaves your kidneys where they are unless there is a medical reason to remove them. The donated kidney is placed into your lower abdomen, where it’s easiest to connect it to your important blood vessels and bladder. And after surgery, you’ll be taught about the medicines you’ll have to take and their side effects, and also about diet.

Patient: What happens when I’m discharged home?

Nurse: The most important work begins, which is the follow-up. You will have regular checkups, especially during the first year. You may need blood tests several times a week, but fewer bit by bit, to make sure that your kidney is working well and that you have the right amount of anti-rejection medication in your body.

Patient: How long will it take before I return to work?

Nurse: This depends on your recovery, the kind of work you do, and your other medical conditions. Generally, it takes a few weeks.

Patient: Maybe just one last thing. You know, well, it’s about sexual life!

Nurse: You may be surprised to notice an improvement as you begin to feel better. In addition, fertility tends to increase.