Every organ in the human body is vital, as they work together to ensure the continuation of life. Each organ has a distinct function within this cooperation. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and excrete them in urine. They also help regulate the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. When these wastes cannot be removed, they accumulate in the body and cause several health problems.

People whose kidneys cannot function need a treatment called dialysis, which mechanically filters waste from the bloodstream when the kidneys fail. However, dialysis is a time-consuming and exhausting process for patients, typically lasting 4.5 hours, 3 days a week.

Kidney Transplantation Procedure

Kidney transplantation is a surgical operation performed to treat chronic kidney failure. In this procedure, a healthy kidney is taken from a living or deceased donor who has a compatible blood type and a negative Cross Match test result with the recipient, and transplanted into the patient.

The most effective and permanent treatment for end-stage kidney failure is kidney transplantation. Dialysis can only perform about 5% of the kidneys’ normal function under the best conditions, while a transplanted kidney performs 10 times more. This allows the patient to regain normal kidney function, become independent from dialysis, and return to an active life.

Following transplantation, the patient no longer needs fluid and diet restrictions, EPO injections for erythropoiesis, or various medications. Patients feel more energetic and active than during dialysis. They regain their working capacity, find employment more easily, and experience significant improvements in sexual health. Female patients are more likely to conceive and give birth to healthy children.

Benefits of Kidney Transplantation

Compared to patients who remain on dialysis, those who undergo kidney transplantation live at least three times longer. The annual cost of an end-stage renal failure patient to the state is approximately six times higher than that of a transplant patient. Among children with chronic kidney failure, 75% experience growth retardation, 70% develop hypertension, and 90% develop anemia. Unfortunately, about 20% of these patients are lost during follow-up.

In summary, kidney transplantation provides:

• Extended life expectancy
• A better quality and healthier life
• Reduced treatment costs
• Conversion of lost labor force into productivity

Types of Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation can be performed from either a cadaveric donor or a living donor. In developed countries, 70–80% of kidney transplants are performed from cadaveric donors and 20–30% from living donors. However, in Turkey, this rate is reversed.

The most ideal transplant for patients with a living donor candidate is one performed at the earliest stage of dialysis, or if possible, before dialysis begins (preemptive transplant). While waiting for a cadaveric transplant, patients may face complications that delay or even prevent transplantation, and in some cases, result in death.