Life After Kidney Transplant
When a persons kidney no longer functions correctly, a kidney transplant may be needed. The surgical procedure removes the dysfunctional organ and replaces the impaired kidney with a donated one.
Your body needs at least one kidney to survive. The organs main function is to remove waste and excessive fluid from your blood. If your body is infiltrated by high levels of toxins, you can develop end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure. The best treatment in this case is kidney transplant.
Kidney Transplant Cost Summary
Transplants are typically the most expensive type of surgery performed. They are also a common type of surgery since donors can be deceased or living. According to a 2008 Milliman Research Report on Transplant Cost Estimates, kidney transplant surgery was the most performed transplant surgery with over 17,000 transplants that year. The cost for surgery averages $262,900 with little variance.
Transplant surgery is only performed in certified transplant centers and is monitored by the United Network for Organ Sharing which ensures that there is a fair distribution of organs to those who need them . UNOS operates under the guidance of the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network , which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As a result of their oversight, kidney transplant costs are consistent nationwide.
What Are The Kidney Transplant Requirements
Each hospital has its own criteria for accepting people as kidney transplant recipients. But in general, candidates should have:
- End-stage renal failure and be on dialysis.
- Late-stage chronic kidney disease, approaching the need for dialysis.
- A life expectancy of at least five years.
- A full understanding of postoperative instructions and care.
What is the best age for kidney transplant?
While most kidney transplant recipients are between the ages of 45 and 65, there really is no upper age limit. However, to ensure the best results, your healthcare provider will likely look for a donor who is close to your own age.
How many kidney transplants can a person have?
In some cases, people can have two and even three or four kidney transplants in their lifetime. Your healthcare provider can tell you if this is an option for you.
What disqualifies you from getting a kidney transplant?
Kidney transplants are approved on a case-by-case basis. However, there are some general factors that could make a person ineligible for a kidney transplant, such as:
- A serious health condition that makes it dangerous to have surgery.
- Recurring infection.
- A short life expectancy.
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
No matter what your situation, your healthcare provider can determine whether a kidney transplant is a safe treatment option.
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Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Surgery In India
This approach is also known as keyhole surgery. It is a minimally invasive technique used to perform nephrectomy and other procedures without affecting the non-targeted areas of the body. In this approach, the abdomen is inflated with the help of gas to create a space between the abdominal walls and the organs inside it.
The surgeon makes three to four tiny incisions in the abdominal area. A narrow tube is then inserted through the abdominal wall to introduce instruments by sliding through it. A video camera attached to the laparoscope helps the surgeon get an inside view on a monitor.
The kidney is carefully dissected apart from the ureter and the blood vessels. The kidney is then removed from one of the cuts which are large enough to pull out the kidney from the stomach. The surgeon removes the laparoscope and other instruments after removing the kidney and closes the incisions with sutures.
Laparoscopic surgery may also be conducted with the help of a robot. The robotic system requires the creation of minute incisions to perform the procedure. Extreme dexterity and precision can be attained with the help of a robot to remove the diseased tissues.
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- Loss of blood during the surgery
- Chances of infection during or after the surgery
- Potential risks associated with the use of general anesthesia
- Increase in blood pressure
- Scarring of the tissue
Will I Be Able To Obtain Insurance Coverage After Donation
Your health insurance should not be affected by donation. The Affordable Care Act has made it illegal for health insurance companies to refuse to cover you or charge you more because you have a pre-existing condition.
However, some living donors have reported either having difficulty getting life insurance or facing higher premiums for life insurance. In such cases, it may be necessary for transplant centers to inform the insurance carrier of existing data that report that the patient is not at increased risk of death because of donation.
If you already have insurance, check your insurance contracts carefully to see if living donation would affect your current policies. You might also want to consult with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about insurance law.
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When Is Shock Wave Lithotripsy Needed
Shock wave lithotripsy usually works best to treat smaller stones inside the kidney or upper part of the ureter . Your provider will consider a stones size, your medical problems and your body structure before deciding whats best for you.
Providers often use shock wave lithotripsy to treat kidney stones that:
- Are too large to pass on their own .
- Block urine flow.
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Does Living Donation Affect Life Expectancy
Living donation does not change life expectancy, and does not appear to increase the risk of kidney failure. In general, most people with a single normal kidney have few or no problems however, you should always talk to your transplant team about the risks involved in donation. Some studies report that living donors may have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure. It is recommended that potential donors consult with their doctor about the risks of living donation.
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How Can I Save Money
Talk with a few different hospitals to see what the process is going to cost. Most hospitals are more than happy to give a good estimate over the phone.
If paying with cash, ask for a discount. Many hospitals are more than willing to give a cash discount.
Ask your insurance provider to see how much they can cover the total cost of the procedure.
This procedure is commonly done overseas. If heading overseas, always make sure that you do your due diligence to ensure that you know the surgeon that would be performing the procedure.
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What Is The Difference Between A Laparoscopic And Open Surgery
Surgeons use two different techniques for nephrectomies. A laparoscopic nephrectomy uses a small tool with a camera and a few tiny incisions. In a robotic-assisted laparoscopic case, a surgical robot is controlled by the surgeon to manipulate these small tools. An open nephrectomy uses one large incision. Surgeons view directly inside the body and do not use a camera.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy may lead to shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. However, surgeons may use open surgery if laparoscopic surgery is not an option. For example, laparoscopic surgery often requires longer periods under anesthesia. Some people may not respond well to being under anesthesia for long periods. Also, others may have a large kidney tumor for which these minimally-invasive techniques may not be the best choice. In these cases, an open approach could be safer.
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Transplant Waiting Lists And Dialysis Costs Grow As Kidney Supply Lags Behind
This article was published more than 11 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.
Ballooning numbers of obese Canadians coupled with an aging population are fuelling a sharp rise in kidney failure, but the demand for transplants can’t be met due to stagnant rates of organ donation.
The result is patients waiting up to six years for a new kidney, and the stop-gap measure – dialysis – costs the health-care system almost 10 times more per patient than transplants.
“The supply of kidneys available for transplant has not kept pace with the growing demand,” said Louise Moist, a nephrologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Western Ontario in London.
The annual report of the Canadian Organ Replacement Registry, published on Thursday, contains some startling figures.
About 38,000 Canadians are living with kidney failure, up from 11,000 two decades ago. In that same time period, the number of patients on the waiting list has almost doubled, to 3,000 from 1,600, and the time they wait has stretched by years.
That is because, in the past decade, the number of transplants performed annually has risen only marginally, to 1,171 in 2009 from 1,037 in 1990. While the number of living donors is up a bit, cadaveric donations have flatlined.
“We need to close that gap and I think the donor potential is there. We’re just not communicating well with the public.”
Bolstering transplantation would also save money.
Recovery Instructions After Kidney Removal
Activity
- Take rest whenever you feel tired. Getting plenty of sleep may speed your recovery.
- Go to walk every day. Increase the distance you walk daily. Walking increases circulation of blood and prevents constipation and pneumonia.
- Dont do strenuous activities and exercises in which your belly muscles are used such as jogging, cycling, aerobic exercises or weight lifting until your physician recommends you to do them.
- For a period of at least four weeks, dont lift anything that causes straining of muscles such as lifting a child, milk containers, heavy bags of groceries, cat litter, vacuum cleaner or heavy backpack or briefcase etc.
- Place a pillow on the incisions while you take deep breaths or coughs to support your stomach and decrease pain.
- What is the recovery time for kidney removal? Discuss with your physician about the time you can resume driving.
- You may have to take four to six weeks off from your work.
- You may take showers however, if a drainage tube is put near the incisions avoid taking bath for the initial two weeks. Follow the instructions of your doctor to empty and take care of the drainage tube.
- Ask your physician when you can resume having sex.
Diet
Medicines
Incision Care
Follow-Up Care Forms a Vital Part of Treatment
Make sure to be regular with all appointment. Call your physician or nurse line in case of any problems. You can also keep a list of medications you take and know the results of your tests.
Monitor Your Kidney Function
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Limit Your Exposure To Germs
Don’t have a large number of houseguests during the first 6-8 weeks after surgery. Ask family members and friends who may have colds or infections to stay away. Keep preschool children at arm’s length, especially if they are in daycare where other children may be sick or infected. Avoid eating from salad bars as they can harbor bacteria.
Expert Care Yields Excellent Results
Positive outcomes like Wiggins are common among people with multi-organ failure who come to Duke for treatment. Duke surgeons perform five to 10 combined kidney and liver transplants each year. They also do combined kidney and heart transplants, as well as kidney and lung transplants.
If someone has a lung, heart or liver problem with concurrent kidney dysfunction, theyre likely to find smiling faces at Duke, Dr. Ellis said. Were very comfortable with that.
Duke consistently achieves very positive outcomes following multi-organ transplants, and treats more very sick people than most centers in its region. However, that high volume doesnt tell the whole story Duke also prides itself on the exceptional care it provides people, care that is delivered on a very personal level.
The real joy of the job is watching patients like Kenn as they heal and get stronger, and get back to living their lives, Dr. Berg said.
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Kidney Transplant Cost In The Usa
Currently, there are over 93.000 people waiting for a kidney transplant surgery in the USA. The waiting time for a deceased donor can be reached to 5 years, and in some states, it is closer to 10 years. Patients are prioritized by duration on the waiting list, their blood type, immune system, and some other factors.
People deciding for a private kidney transplant procedure have to be prepared to pay 230,000 on average, which for many is extremely high. Kidney transplant cost doesnt include just the kidney and operation but also pre- and post-operational care, cost of hospital stays and insurance.
What Happens During A Nephrectomy
Your surgeon may use laparoscopic or open surgery. Before either kidney removal procedure, you will receive general anesthesia to ensure you donât feel anything.
During a laparoscopic nephrectomy, your surgeon:
During an open nephrectomy, your surgeon:
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Investigating The Underlying Cause
Urine can be tested for protein, blood cells, sugar and waste products, which may give clues to the underlying cause.
Doctors also need to know about:
- any other symptoms, such as signs of sepsis or signs of heart failure
- any other medical conditions
- any medication thatâs been taken in the past week, as some medicines can cause AKI
An ultrasound scan should reveal if the cause is a blockage in the urinary system, such as an enlarged prostate or bladder tumour.
How Much Does Kidney Stone Surgery Cost In India
The cost of kidney stone surgery in India usually starts from Rs. 25,000 and can go up to Rs. 1 lakh. However, the cost of treatment can vary depending on several factors like the type of city, method of kidney stone removal, medical health of the patient, experience of the surgeon, severity of the condition, etc.
Our kidney stone specialists have an experience of more than 15 years of performing complex procedures with an excellent track record. Pristyn Care is also associated with some of the top urology hospitals across the country. Contact us to book an appointment with a urologist for a kidney stone laser treatment near you.
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What Can Cause Urethra Pain After Passing Kidney Stones
While pain can ease once the stone reaches your bladder, it can become painful again as it leaves your body through the urethra. Passing a large stone can irritate the urethra, but it should be temporary.
Urethral pain can be due to a number of factors aside from passing a kidney stone. Continuing urethral pain should be assessed by a doctor.
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How Much Does Kidney Stone Removal Surgery Cost In India
Kidney stone is the formation of stones in the kidneys due to the high concentration of toxic waste in the urine. While small stones often pass naturally without causing much pain, large stones can lead to severe kidney problems. Prolonging kidney stone treatment can not only increase the risk of complications but also add to the financial burden. In this blog, we have mentioned the cost of the best and safest kidney stone treatment in India.
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Should I Cut Calcium Out Of My Diet If I Develop Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones
If you develop kidney stones composed of calcium, you may be tempted to stop eating foods that include calcium. However, this is the opposite of what you should do. If you have calcium oxalate stones, the most common type, its recommended that you have a diet higher in calcium and lower in oxalate.
Foods that are high in calcium include:
- Cows milk.
What Are The Risks For Kidney Transplant
As with any surgery, complications can occur. Some complications mayinclude:
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Bleeding
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Blockage of the blood vessels to the new kidney
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Leakage of urine or blockage of urine in the ureter
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Lack of function of the new kidney at first
The new kidney may be rejected. Rejection is a normal reaction of the bodyto a foreign object or tissue. When a new kidney is transplanted into arecipient’s body, the immune system reacts to what it thinks as a threatand attacks the new organ. For a transplanted organ to survive, medicinesmust be taken to trick the immune system into accepting the transplant andnot attacking it as a foreign object.
The medicines used to prevent or treat rejection have side effects. Theexact side effects will depend on the specific medicines that are taken.
Not everyone is a candidate for kidney transplantation. You may not beeligible if you have:
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Current or recurring infection that cannot be treated effectively
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Cancer that has spread from its original location to elsewhere in the body
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Severe heart or other health problems that make it unsafe to have surgery
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Serious conditions other than kidney disease that would not get better after transplantation
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Failing to follow the treatment plan
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Besure to discuss any concerns with your transplant team before theprocedure.
More Information About Organ Donation from Johns Hopkins Medicine
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