The kidney transplant procedure involves replacing an unhealthy or non-functional kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is usually recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
A number of factors contribute to ESRD, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and glomerulonephritis. In addition, hardening of the arteries, African-American or Native American heritage, obesity, older age, untreated strep infection, chronic kidney infection, lupus, diarrhea, kidney stones, and long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen contribute to vascular disease.
Kidney failure symptoms include swelling of the hands, feet, and face, headaches, seizures, pale skin color, coffee-colored urine, chronic bad breath, depression, fatigue, and itchy skin.
To diagnose kidney failure, doctors perform a physical exam and blood and urine tests. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI may also be used to evaluate the kidneys.
ESRD is most commonly treated with dialysis, which removes waste, extra water, and chemicals from the body. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves connecting the bloodstream to an external kidney machine. By injecting a special fluid through a catheter into the abdomen, peritoneal dialysis absorbs waste products from the bloodstream.
The kidney transplant procedure is another option for treating ESRD. The procedure involves replacing damaged kidneys with a kidney from a donor. Kidney transplants have been performed since the 1950s. The surgery is a lifesaving choice for thousands of patients with ESRD. Dialysis can sustain life if you do not have a kidney transplant.
Keeping a healthy lifestyle is important to prevent kidney failure. You should eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. It is also important to manage underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
