What is kidney transplantation?

Kidney transplantation is one of the most commonly performed organs transplant surgeries. This surgical procedure is among the most significant achievements in the field of medicine. Kidney transplant surgery is necessary for individuals with the end-stage kidney disease and avoids dependence on hemodialysis. During kidney transplant procedure, doctors transplant a healthy kidney from a donor to a patient whose kidneys cannot function normally. This allows for effective management of kidney failure, restoration of normal excretory system functions, and significant improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

Leading medical centers worldwide perform kidney transplants and demonstrate high success rates. Although the kidney transplant price can be quite high, the demand for this procedure continues to grow globally.

Medour collaborates with clinics in different countries that specialize in kidney transplantation procedures. Thanks to medical tourism, you have the opportunity to choose the most suitable medical center, regardless of its location. A MedTour medical coordinator will help you make the right decision.

Who needs a kidney transplant?

A kidney transplant procedure is required for people with stage 4 or 5 kidney failure. At these stages, the kidneys are irreversibly damaged and cannot perform their functions, which leads to disruption of water, electrolyte, and other types of metabolism, and has a noticeable negative impact on the condition of the entire body. As the disease progresses, there is a risk of kidney failure and patients become dependent on regular hemodialysis. Transplantation offers an effective solution to this problem.

The following diseases can lead to end-stage kidney disease:

• chronic kidney disease;
• diabetic nephropathy;
• glomerulonephritis;
• polycystic kidney disease;
• certain congenital kidney abnormalities;
• Alport syndrome;
• systemic lupus erythematosus and a number of other conditions.

Kidney transplantation includes several important stages:

• preoperative preparation and diagnostics before surgery;
• surgery;
• postoperative period and rehabilitation.

Pre-transplant diagnostics

Preparation for kidney transplant surgery includes a comprehensive examination of the patient who will undergo surgery, donor selection, and preoperative medical procedures.

• Patient examination. Before the kidney transplant procedure, a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out to confirm that a patient is suitable for a treatment method such as transplantation.
• Donor selection. The success of transplantation depends on finding a compatible donor. There are several options for obtaining an organ: from a living donor (a relative or an unrelated donor) or from a deceased donor. Thorough examination of the donor and recipient for certain compatibility indicators is necessary to minimize the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ. In order to check compatibility, it is necessary to compare blood types, check tissues for the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) and conduct a test for the presence or absence of antibodies against the donor’s red blood cells in the recipient.
• Preoperative preparation. The recipient undergoes specific medical procedures to prepare their body for renal transplant. In some cases, dialysis may be performed. Immunosuppressive medications are also usually prescribed before surgery to reduce the risk of organ rejection.

How is kidney transplantation performed?

Kidney transplant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and involves the following steps:

• At the beginning of the surgical procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen of the recipient.
• The non-functioning kidney is then removed and a donor kidney is placed in its place. The donor kidney is connected to the recipient’s blood vessels (iliac artery and vein).
• The ureter of the transplanted kidney is connected to the recipient’s bladder, allowing the new kidney to function properly.
• At the final stage of the kidney transplant procedure, the incision is closed with sutures.

The surgery typically takes two to four hours.

Features of postoperative care

After kidney transplant surgery, the patient stays in the intensive care unit for several days under the supervision of doctors. During this period, doctors monitor the functionality of the transplanted kidney and check for signs of acute rejection. Dialysis may be required temporarily until the new kidney begins to function properly. Once the organ begins to function normally and no acute situations arise, the patient is transferred to a regular ward and then discharged after some time.

Immunosuppressive therapy begins immediately after surgery. These medications suppress the immune system to prevent transplant rejection and must be taken for life.

Gradual physical recovery is recommended. Physical activity should be limited for 1.5 to 2 months, after which the patient can return to normal life.

Regular follow-ups and preventive check-ups are necessary to monitor kidney function and overall health.

Kidney Transplant Price in Ukraine and worldwide

When planning a renal transplant, the cost is determined by several factors. The price includes kidney transplant surgery and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, the cost may vary depending on whether the organ comes from a living donor or a deceased donor.

Prices for kidney transplantation vary by country. Healthcare systems in countries typically have protocols that govern procedures of this type, including pricing. Also, the cost may also differ between hospitals within the same country.

Approximate kidney transplant price in different countries:

• Turkey – from $18,000;
• India – from $16,000;
• Ukraine – from $20,000;
• Spain – from $60,000;
• Azerbaijan – from $13,000;
• United Arab Emirates – from $35,000.

If you are interested in prices in a particular country or clinic, please contact us. A MedTour medical coordinator during a free consultation will provide you with a price list indicating the cost of this medical procedure in different medical centers. Our specialist will also answer any questions regarding the transplantation in different countries.

Where Can You Get a Kidney Transplant?

The MedTour platform collaborates with the best clinics that perform kidney transplants in different countries worldwide. On our website you can find information about these clinics and the services they provide. Alternatively, you can contact a MedTour coordinating doctor, who will provide personalized recommendations taking into account your wishes and financial capabilities.

Top-rated clinics for Kidney transplantation

Among the most popular hospitals that our clients most often choose to undergo transplantation include:

• Liv Istinye Clinic (Turkey). The clinic has been successfully performing kidney transplants for a long time using the latest technologies and techniques. In particular, the removal of a kidney from a living donor is performed using laparoscopic techniques, which makes the procedure easier to tolerate. The most modern and effective immunosuppressive drugs are also selected, which have fewer side effects.
• Medicana Clinic (Turkey). 99% of kidney transplants performed at this clinic are successful. Doctors use modern techniques that allow organ transplantation from donors with other blood types; there is the possibility of transplantation from an unrelated donor. Medicana also provides kidney transplant procedures for children.
• Memorial Clinic Network (Turkey). Memorial is among the leaders in the field of kidney transplantation. Memorial Hospitals is known for its high success rates in kidney transplant surgery, especially in living donor kidney transplants. Doctors use advanced surgical techniques and handle complex transplant cases.
• Max Hospital Healthcare Group (India). Max Healthcare Hospitals have a high success rate and is the leader in kidney transplants in India. The clinic employs highly experienced doctors, utilizes advanced technologies and is equipped with the latest medical equipment.
• Liv Bona Dea Clinic (Azerbaijan). This is a branch of the Turkish Liv Hospitals Network, which is located in Baku and has an international ISO certification. The clinic is equipped with advanced equipment and uses the latest approaches to kidney transplantation. Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques are used to remove a kidney from a living donor. The clinic also offers cross-transplantation of kidney and liver.
• Burjeel Medical City (United Arab Emirates). One of the leading organ transplant centers in the Middle East. The clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach, the latest protocols, and the latest technology for preserving donor organs. By choosing the best renal transplant clinics, you gain access to the most advanced medical techniques and receive treatment from world-class specialists in the field.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a person live with a transplanted kidney?

According to statistics, 85% of people with a transplanted kidney live more than 10 years. At the same time, several factors influence life expectancy after transplantation:

• Whether the organ was transplanted from a living donor or a deceased donor (kidneys from living donors usually function longer).
• The patient’s health status. Age and the presence of concomitant diseases significantly affect the prognosis.
• Lifestyle. Healthy eating, physical activity, quitting smoking, and following all medical recommendations also play a role in the lifespan of the transplanted organ.

In addition, it is important which clinic you will have the operation in. Contacting leading medical centers that specialize in such surgical interventions can improve outcomes.

Can a kidney transplantation be performed a second time?

Experts believe that a repeat transplant is possible. However, it is determined on an individual basis, considering the patient’s medical condition. In some cases, dialysis may be a better option than a second transplant.

Factors affecting the possibility of re-transplantation:

• The reason for losing the first transplanted kidney.
• The person’s health status, including the presence of concomitant diseases and age.
• The history of the previous transplantation, including postoperative features and complications.

Re-transplantation may be technically more difficult and the post-operative recovery period may be longer and more challenging. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by nephrologists, transplant surgeons, and immunologists is necessary to assess risks and benefits before proceeding.

What are the side effects of immunosuppressive therapy?

Immunosuppressive therapy is a mandatory part of post-transplant treatment. Its purpose is to suppress the activity of the immune system to prevent the immune system from reacting to the new organ as something foreign and to avoid transplant rejection. However, suppression of the immune system can lead to a number of side effects, including an increased risk of infectious diseases. The risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer and lymphoma, may also increase. In addition, skin rashes, slow wound healing, increased blood cholesterol levels, and some other side effects may occur.

However, leading transplant clinics use advanced immunosuppression protocols to minimize side effects and ensure the best possible outcome for patients.

Patient Reviews on Kidney Transplantation

Patients who have undergone kidney transplant surgery report significant improvements in their quality of life. They highlight several key benefits of the procedure:

• No need for hemodialysis.
• Opportunity to live a full life without strict rules and restrictions on nutrition.
• Ability to lead an active lifestyle
• Overall well-being improves significantly.

You can watch a video review of a patient from South Korea who had a kidney transplant at Liv Hospital in Turkey and was highly satisfied with the result.

For more information about kidney transplantation, please contact a MedTour coordinating physician. You can call us or fill out the contact form to get a free consultation.

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• Organ transplantation: how much does it cost and where can you go for a transplant?

• Cross-over kidney transplantation: an opportunity to avoid long waiting times
• Kidney transplantation: best clinics, surgery cost, indications and patient reviews