When your kidneys stop working, you have either the option of dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis ensures that you get rid of waste products from your body, but it does not replace all the functions of the kidneys. When you are diagnosed with failing kidneys, treatment can sometimes prevent or at least delay your complete failure.
The kidneys also help produce a natural hormone called erythropoietin, which prevents anemia. It also helps convert dietary vitamin D into an active compound that helps maintain healthy bones. Besides, it helps the excretion of some toxic substances. Last but not least, it plays an important role in controlling blood pressure.
The kidneys perform all these functions.
Assessment for kidney transplantation
Several very important factors need to be checked before a kidney transplant. To begin with, you will only be recommended for a transplant if you are approaching or have started dialysis.
There is no dependence on age or ethnicity when considering transplantation. Special tests are done to assess whether these risk factors are too great for a transplant.
Once you are deemed fit enough for a transplant, specialists will explain all the risks and benefits.
Several tests will be carried out to check whether you have had certain viral infections.
Specialists will also ask you if you have any close friends or family who are willing to be living donors.
Whether you receive a particular donor kidney or not is decided by your blood type. It's pretty hard to make two people look exactly alike because their genes are different. But, it is possible to achieve a good enough match for a successful transplant. The operation takes about three hours and proper care must be taken even after the operation.
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