Question 1

to what extent does a kidney transplant cost?

Accepted Answer

A lot: Hopefully covered by insurance. However is cheaper in long run than permanent dialysis. There is cost of initial tissue typing ; same for proposed donors. Cost of donor kidney harvesting, whether live or cadaveric. Then cost of transplant surgery ; post-operative hospital care. ; medications (about  $100k). Cheaper 2B done in turkey (about $20, 000) india or thailand where they cater to foreigners.

Question 2

how do i get a kidney transplant?

Accepted Answer

Need a Tx Center: You need to be evaluated by the transplant team at an approved transplant center.  They  will go over the process and describe what is required to be wait listed for a kidney.  One early suggestion, avoid any blood transfusions until you are evaluated.  If you become sensitized from an elective blood transfusion, you may wait years or never receive a kidney.

Question 3

what is involved in a kidney transplant?

Accepted Answer

Major Commitment: A kidney transplant is a major surgical procedure which is followed by close attention from your doctors, nurses, and of course yourself.    For those with renal failure it is the best way to approach pre-illness levels of activity and well being.  It requires daily medications and close clinical monitoring.

Question 4

what method is a kidney transplant done?

Accepted Answer

Kidney removed from: Donor, either living related or cadaver. This kidney is perfused with ice cold saline ; implanted into recipient. Transplanted kidney is most commonly placed in low right abdomen with blood vessels anastomosed to recipient's iliac artery ; vein. Donor ureter then implanted into recipient's bladder.

Question 5

will it hurt to give a kidney transplant?

Accepted Answer

Kidney donation: To give your kidney you will undergo major surgery and pain will be involved.

You need to be a very healthy person to donate your kidney to someone.

Question 6

can i receive my kidney transplant early?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you mean prior to the need for dialysis.  The timing could be elective if you are fortunate to have a willing and healthy living donor.  It would be harder, and subject to chance, it you had to wait for a deceased donor kidney.  Speak with your transplant team to see the best approach.

Question 7

kidney transplant failed can i get another?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes. Discuss this with your kidney doctor.

Question 8

are kids born in need of a kidney transplant?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Rarely; and unfortunately yes.  There are cases where an organ does not form properly; or form at all(called agenesis) which may require transplantation.  Hopefully these can be detected by pre-natal care, and screening through ultrasonography, before term so the treatment plan can be established and prepared.

Question 9

how long is the wait for a kidney transplant?

Accepted Answer

Months to Many Years: No clear answer since it depends on your degree of sensitization to hla antigens, your ABO blood type, and the region of the country you live in.  It can range from months to many years.  A lucky few % receive a perfectly (hla) matched kidney from anywhere in the country.  These are called zero mismatched shared kidneys.  The best way to reduce waiting time is try and find a willing living donor.

Question 10

how many years does a kidney transplant last?

Accepted Answer

Many years: Depends..
If from living donor, about 90% last five years, 75% last about ten years and nowadays, more and more last more than 20 years
if from deceased donor, subtract about 10%-15% from the above numbers. 
This assumes a decent match and proper attention to taking transplant medications.

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How much does a kidney transplant cost

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