Health A-Z

Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a donor is transplanted into a person with end-stage kidney disease. Here's an overview of symptoms, treatment plans, and diagnosis testing related to kidney transplantation.

1. Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted, even after resting.
2. Decreased urine output: Producing less urine than usual or experiencing no urine output.
3. Fluid retention: Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or face due to fluid buildup in the body.
4. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or while lying down.
5. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach and vomiting, often accompanied by loss of appetite.
6. Itching: Persistent itching of the skin, which may be caused by waste products accumulating in the blood.
7. Changes in mental function: Difficulty concentrating, confusion, or memory problems due to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.

1. Pre-transplant evaluation: Before undergoing a kidney transplant, candidates undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess their overall health, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and psychological assessments.
2. Transplant surgery: During the kidney transplant procedure, the diseased kidneys are removed (unless they pose a risk of infection or complications) and replaced with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. The new kidney is surgically connected to the recipient's blood vessels and bladder.
3. Post-operative care: After the transplant, patients require lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney. Close monitoring is needed to assess kidney function, manage medication side effects, and detect signs of rejection or complications.
4. Follow-up care: Patients undergo regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team to monitor kidney function, adjust medications, and address any concerns or complications.

1. Blood tests: Blood tests are used to measure kidney function, assess electrolyte levels, and detect abnormalities in blood chemistry. These tests include serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and electrolyte panels.
2. Urine tests: Urinalysis and urine protein tests can help evaluate kidney function and detect abnormalities such as proteinuria or hematuria.
3. Imaging studies: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be performed to assess the size, shape, and structure of the kidneys and identify any abnormalities.
4. Biopsy: In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for examination under a microscope, which can help diagnose the underlying cause of kidney disease and assess the extent of kidney damage.