Kidney Transplant Program

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a patient whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. This treatment is often recommended for individuals with end-stage kidney disease, where other treatment options like dialysis have been insufficient to maintain adequate health. The goal of a kidney transplant is to restore normal kidney function, allowing the patient to live a healthier life without the need for dialysis. Kidney transplants can involve either a living donor or a deceased donor. In a living donor transplant, a healthy kidney is provided by a living person, often a family member or friend. Deceased donor transplants involve kidneys from individuals who have recently passed away, provided their kidneys are in suitable condition for transplantation.

During the transplant procedure, the new kidney is surgically placed in the lower abdomen. The surgeon attaches the kidney’s blood vessels to the patient’s arteries and veins, and the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) is connected to the bladder. The patient’s own kidneys are usually left in place unless they are causing complications, such as chronic infections or high blood pressure. The newly transplanted kidney will take over the function of filtering the blood and removing waste products from the body. The success of the transplant depends on numerous factors, including the patient’s health, the compatibility of the donor kidney, and how well the patient follows their post-transplant care regimen.

Kidney transplants are highly successful procedures, but they require lifelong management. After surgery, patients will need to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. Close monitoring, regular blood tests, and consultations with a healthcare team are essential to ensure the transplant continues to function well over time.

Procedure Duration

A kidney transplant procedure can vary in length depending on multiple factors, such as the complexity of the surgery, the patient’s health, and the type of donor kidney being used. On average, the surgery itself takes between three to five hours. During the first phase of the procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they remain unconscious and pain-free. Once under anesthesia, the surgical team will make an incision in the lower abdomen, and the new kidney will be placed into position. The blood vessels are then connected, followed by the ureter attachment to the bladder. After ensuring the kidney is functioning correctly and blood flow is restored, the incision is closed.

Recovery in the hospital typically lasts about a week, though it may vary depending on individual cases. The first 24-48 hours post-surgery are critical, and patients are closely monitored for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or organ rejection. Most patients will remain in the hospital for five to seven days, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor kidney function, ensure the patient is stable, and adjust medications as needed.

After discharge, the recovery process continues at home. It typically takes around six to eight weeks for patients to feel fully recovered and return to their normal routine. However, ongoing care is crucial. Patients will have regular follow-up appointments for several months to monitor the kidney's function, adjust medications, and detect any potential complications early. With proper care and adherence to medication regimens, many patients go on to lead full, healthy lives post-transplant.

Benefits

  • Improved Quality of Life: Kidney transplants eliminate the need for dialysis and allow patients to enjoy a more active, unrestricted lifestyle.
  • Longer Lifespan: Patients who receive a kidney transplant often live longer than those who remain on dialysis.
  • Greater Energy Levels: Transplant recipients often experience increased energy, allowing them to return to work, engage in physical activity, and enjoy daily life more fully.
  • Fewer Dietary Restrictions: Post-transplant, patients have fewer limitations on what they can eat, compared to those undergoing dialysis.
  • Increased Independence: A kidney transplant frees patients from the time-consuming demands of dialysis treatments, granting them more control over their schedule.

Potential Destinations

  • India:
    India is a leading destination for kidney transplants, offering high-quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Many hospitals have advanced facilities and internationally accredited surgical teams, making it an ideal choice for medical tourists.
  • Turkey:
    Turkey has become a hotspot for medical tourism, especially for organ transplants. The country is known for its highly skilled surgeons, state-of-the-art hospitals, and cost-effective treatments. Patients benefit from shorter waiting times and high success rates for kidney transplants.
  • Mexico:
    Mexico offers world-class medical facilities with highly experienced transplant teams. With its proximity to the U.S., Mexico is a convenient and affordable destination for those seeking kidney transplant surgeries. Medical tourists can also take advantage of quicker transplant waitlists compared to other countries.
  • Thailand:
    Thailand is renowned for its excellent medical tourism services, providing affordable, top-quality care. Its hospitals are equipped with modern technology, and the country has internationally trained surgeons. The warm hospitality and supportive post-operative care are an added advantage for patients undergoing major procedures like kidney transplants.
  • Spain:
    Spain is a leader in organ transplantation, with one of the highest donation rates in the world. The country’s medical institutions are highly regarded for their expertise and the success rates of kidney transplants. Spain's healthcare system is known for its quality, making it a safe and reliable destination for medical tourists seeking transplants.

Risks & Considerations

  • Rejection of the Organ: Even with immunosuppressant medications, there is always a risk that the body will reject the new kidney. Rejection may require additional treatments or, in severe cases, the removal of the transplanted kidney.
  • Infection: Immunosuppressant drugs weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment are essential to manage this risk.
  • Side Effects of Medications: Long-term use of immunosuppressants can lead to side effects such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
  • Complications from Surgery: As with any major surgery, there is a risk of complications such as bleeding, blood clots, or damage to surrounding organs during the procedure.
  • Chronic Rejection: Even years after the transplant, the new kidney can gradually lose function due to chronic rejection. Patients must be vigilant about their health and regularly consult their medical team to address potential issues early.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a doctor and hospital for kidney transplantation, several factors should be considered. First, it’s crucial to ensure the doctor has specialized training in transplant surgery and significant experience in performing kidney transplants. Patients should look for a surgeon who has completed many successful procedures and who works within a reputable transplant program that offers comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.

Choosing the right hospital is just as important. Ideally, the hospital should have a dedicated transplant unit with experienced staff who specialize in post-surgical care. It is also important that the facility is accredited by international health organizations and follows strict guidelines for patient safety and quality care. Additionally, potential patients should seek out hospitals that offer detailed pre-surgery assessments and long-term follow-up care to monitor the health of the transplant.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

Orthopedics Stem Cell

Knee

Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.

Shoulder

Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.

Ankle

If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.

Back Pain

Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.

Anti-Aging Stem Cell

Hair Loss

Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.

Facial Anti-Aging

Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.

Fertility Stem Cell

Endometrial PRP

The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.

Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)

The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.

Destinations offering this treatment:
Featured provider offering this treatment:
Providers offering this treatment:
Facilitators offering this treatment:
No items found.