Transplantation
Kidney transplantation is a major treatment option for many patients with kidney failure. It involves an operation in which a kidney is removed from a donor and is placed into a patient with kidney failure. Kidneys for transplantation come from three sources:
- Living related family donors.
- Living, non-related donors.
- Cadaveric donors are individuals that have recently died and, through their own choice or their families, donate their kidneys for transplantation.
Most doctors agree that kidney transplants from a closely related living donor offer the best results. However, less than half of kidneys donated are from family members. Generally speaking, there is a 95% chance that a kidney transplant from a living-donor kidney will be functioning two years after the time of transplant. A cadaver transplant will usually continue to function in 85% of patients after the one-year mark.
Nonetheless, both living donor and cadaver transplants can function for many years. A successful transplant means that the kidney function is normal and that dialysis is not required. Discuss this option and its cost with your doctor, nurses, or social worker.
For more information on transplantation treatment option:
A Patient's Guide to Kidney Transplant Surgery
USC Department of Surgery
http://www.usckidneytransplant.org/patientguide/
Treatment Methods for Kidney Failure: Kidney Transplantation
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/transplant/
Gives a step-by-step account of the transplant process from the initial medical evaluation and being placed on a waiting list to surgery, recovery, and maintenance.
For more online transplantation resources:
Last updated on: June 16, 2010