Glossary term · Treatment
Kidney transplant (also: Renal transplant): A kidney transplant is surgery that places a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person with kidney failure.
A kidney transplant is surgery to place a healthy kidney from a donor into a person with kidney failure. MedlinePlus explains that the new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen and joined to blood vessels in the pelvis and to the bladder. Your own kidneys are usually left in place. Lifelong anti-rejection medicines are needed.
How is the operation done?
MedlinePlus says the recipient has general anaesthesia. The new kidney is placed in the lower belly and its blood vessels are connected to those in the pelvis. The ureter is attached to the bladder. Tissue and blood typing help confirm that donor and recipient are compatible.
What happens after the transplant?
MedlinePlus says nearly all recipients take immune-suppressing medicines for life. These raise the risk of infection and some cancers. Rejection happens when the immune system attacks the new kidney. MedlinePlus describes close follow-up with blood tests after discharge and notes patients often stay near the hospital for the first three months. Regular check-ups continue for many years.
Which donor rules apply for foreign patients in India?
Transplantation in India is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 1994, which NOTTO implements. Foreign patients normally need a living donor. IndiaMedica only supports living-donor transplants where the donor is a near relative. The relationship must be certified by the embassy (Form 21) and the hospital authorisation committee must approve the case. IndiaMedica never sources donors.
What should you prepare?
- Recent reports for both recipient and donor, including blood group and kidney tests.
- Identity and relationship documents for the donor, for embassy certification.
- Visas for the patient, donor and an attendant.
- A plan for long-term follow-up and medicine supply at home.
The transplant team decides whether recipient and donor are medically suitable.
Questions people ask
Can a friend or unrelated person donate to me in India?
IndiaMedica only supports cases with a near-relative donor whose relationship is certified by the embassy through Form 21 and approved by the hospital authorisation committee. Ask the hospital about the rules that apply to your case. Never accept an offer to find a donor.
How long must I stay in India after a kidney transplant?
MedlinePlus says patients often stay near the hospital for the first three months for close follow-up. The transplant team decides when it is safe for you and your donor to travel home.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.