Are you suffering from kidney failure and have been instructed to undergo dialysis or kidney transplant? Thinking about a kidney transplant over dialysis?

You deserve clear, reliable information about your options.

This blog delves into the heart of the matter: success rates for kidney transplants.

We'll break down the numbers, explore factors that influence outcomes, and answer your burning questions to guide you towards informed decisions.

The Kidney Transplant Procedure: How Successful Is It?

Before deep diving into the transplant process, let’s understand what kidney transplant is.

Your kidneys' main function is to filter extra fluid and waste from your blood so that urine can be produced.

A kidney transplant is the process of replacing a sick kidney with a new kidney from a donor.

End-stage kidney failure is the most common reason for a kidney transplant. Patients with end-stage kidney failure can only survive with long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant.

There are two types of kidney transplant:

• A living-donor kidney transplant (LDKT) uses a kidney from a living donor, usually a member of the recipient's family.

• The kidney used in a deceased-donor kidney transplant (DDKT) comes from a deceased individual.

Keep reading Mykare Health 's Blog to learn more about the success rates of these two procedures.

What Is the Success Rate of Living Donor Kidney Transplants?

Compared to deceased donor transplants, living donor kidney transplants have remarkable success rates, making them an extremely viable option for people with kidney failure.

Up to 97% of kidney transplants from living donors survive for at least a year following the transplant. This indicates that waste products are being successfully filtered out of the recipient's blood by the transplanted kidney.

• 5-year graft survival rate: After 5 years, 81.6% of transplants from living donors are still operational. Several variables, including the recipient's age, underlying medical issues, and the kind of immunosuppressive drug taken, can affect this rate.

• 10-year graft survival: Around 75% of living donor transplants continue to function well after 10 years. This further highlights the long-term success of living donor kidney transplants.

Success Factors

It's crucial to remember that a number of variables can affect how successful a living donor kidney transplant is. They consist of:

• Age and health of recipient : Success rates are generally higher for younger recipients who have fewer underlying medical conditions.

• Match between donor and recipient : Long-term results are improved when donor and recipient have closely matched tissues.

• Type of surgery : Generally, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery provides improved long-term graft survival and quicker recovery periods

• Post-transplant care: For best results, adhere to the physician's prescription schedule and schedule for follow-up visits.

Advantages of Living Donors

Living donor transplants have a number of benefits over deceased donor transplants.

• Reduced waiting period : When a living donor is found, recipients can frequently receive a transplant sooner than when they wait for a deceased donor match.

• Better general health results : Transplants from living donors are more successful and may result in longer graft survival.

• Psychological benefits: The recipient's emotional and mental health can benefit from knowing the donor and having their support.

What Is The Success Rate of Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants?

The recipient's age and health, the qualities of the donated kidney, and the interval between organ retrieval and transplantation all affect the success rate of kidney transplants from deceased donors. Still, most people agree that it's a very effective procedure with good long-term results.

Below is a summary of kidney transplant success rates involving deceased donors:

• One-year graft survival : Up to 97% of kidney transplants from deceased donors survive for at least a year after surgery.

• Five-year kidney transplant survival: After five years, 74% to 85% of deceased donors' kidneys are still functional.

• Ten-year graft survival : Between 60% and 70% of kidneys from deceased donors remain functional for at least ten years.

You should be aware that these are average rates and that actual results may differ based on unique situations. Younger recipients, for instance, typically have longer-term graft survival than older recipients. Younger donors' kidneys also typically have longer functional lives than older donors' kidneys.

The success rate of kidney transplants from deceased donors can also be influenced by the following additional factors:

• Cause of death of the donor : Kidneys from accidents or unexpected illnesses typically have superior results than kidneys from donors with a history of medical issues.

• The interval between organ procurement and transplantation : There is a greater chance of damage and decreased function the longer the kidney is removed from the body.

• General well-being of the recipient : Success rates may be lower for recipients with coexisting medical issues or a history of organ rejection.

Who Are The Candidates For Kidney Transplant Surgery?

According to the guidelines, doctors should refer all potential candidates for evaluation at least 6 to 12 months before those individuals are likely to require dialysis.

End-stage kidney failure is becoming increasingly common.Authentic Source. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes.

Each transplant center has its own transplant policies. Some facilities may have age restrictions or may not accept you if you have certain medical conditions.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, the following factors may influence candidacy:

• recent cancer diagnosis,

• severe heart disease,

• insufficient health to survive the transplant,

• active infection,

• tobacco use or substance misuse,

• Obesity.

What to Expect Following a Kidney Transplant

If you meet all of the requirements for a kidney transplant and are scheduled for surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure.

Before having a kidney transplant:

• You should take care of your health by eating well, exercising, and taking care of your overall well-being. Going into surgery in as good of shape as possible can aid in recovery.

• Make arrangements for post-surgery recovery assistance. Because you will be unable to drive or lift anything heavy, you will require the assistance of a friend, family member, or caregiver.

• Pack your hospital bag. Bring everything you'll need to stay comfortable and entertained while you're not working.

Immediately following a kidney transplant procedure

• You can expect stomach pain.

• You will be hospitalized for up to a week. Your doctor and care team will keep a close eye on your progress.

• Immunosuppressants—drugs that prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney—will be required.

• Other medications will be required to reduce your risk of infection and other potential complications.

After you are discharged :

• You'll need to have regular checkups for a few weeks after surgery. If you live far from the transplant center, you must make arrangements to stay nearby.

• You will be checked on a regular basis to see how well your new kidney is working.

• To prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney, you will need to take daily medication.

FAQ

What is a kidney transplant?

When you get a kidney transplant, a healthy kidney is placed inside your body to do the work your own kidneys can no longer do. The healthy kidney can come from someone has died and chosen to donate, called a deceased donor, or from someone who has two healthy kidneys and chooses to donate one, called a living donor.

What if I’m older or have other health problems?

In many cases, people who are older or have other health conditions like diabetes can still have successful kidney transplants. Careful evaluation at a transplant center is needed to understand and deal with any special risks. You may be asked to do some things that can lessen certain risks and improve the chances of a successful transplant.

For example, you may be asked to lose weight or quit smoking. Only a transplant center can decide if you are healthy enough to receive a kidney transplant.

If you have diabetes, you may also be able to have a pancreas transplant. Ask your healthcare professional about getting a pancreas transplant along with a kidney transplant.

How do I get a kidney from a deceased donor?

To get a deceased donor kidney, you will be placed on a waiting list once you have been cleared for a transplant. It can take many years for a good donor kidney to be offered to you. From the time you go on the list until a kidney is found, you may have to be on some form of dialysis.

While you’re waiting, you’ll need regular blood tests to make sure you are ready when a kidney is found.

If you’re on dialysis, your center will make the arrangements for these tests. Your transplant center should know how to reach you at all times. Once a kidney becomes available, the surgery must be done as soon as possible.