Pre Transplant Care

A kidney transplant is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage kidney disease or chronic kidney failure. However, the journey begins long before surgery. Proper pre-transplant care is essential to ensure the success of the procedure and to prepare both physically and mentally for the challenges ahead.

At Sri Vaishnavi Hospital, we offer a comprehensive pre-transplant program to guide you through every step of the process, from evaluation and preparation to post-surgery recovery. Led by Dr. Sunil Kumar Kilari, our experienced nephrologist, our team ensures you are well-prepared for this important medical journey.

The Importance of Pre-Transplant Care

Before a kidney transplant, your body and mind must be thoroughly assessed to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the surgery. Pre-transplant care ensures that:

• You are in the best possible health condition for the surgery.
• Any risk factors are identified and managed before the procedure.
• You and your family are educated about what to expect before, during, and after the transplant.

Key Steps in the Pre-Transplant Process

• Comprehensive Evaluation
  The first step in the pre-transplant process is a detailed medical evaluation to assess whether a kidney transplant is the best option for you. This evaluation includes:

  • Blood tests to match your blood type and assess your organ function.
  • Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays, or CT scans to examine your kidneys and overall health.
  • Heart function tests to ensure your cardiovascular system can handle the transplant surgery.
  • Psychological evaluation to assess your mental readiness and ensure you can cope with the emotional challenges of the process.
  • Consultations with specialists, including nephrologists, surgeons, and dieticians, to develop a personalized care plan.

• Finding a Donor
  Once you are deemed a good candidate for a kidney transplant, the next step is finding a suitable donor. There are two main types of kidney donors:

  • Living donors: A family member, friend, or someone else willing to donate one of their kidneys. Living donors often provide the best outcomes due to a shorter waiting period and better compatibility.
  • Deceased donors: In this case, you will be placed on a waiting list until a matching kidney becomes available from someone who has recently passed away and agreed to donate their organs.

• Managing Pre-existing Conditions
  Many patients with chronic kidney disease also suffer from other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Before undergoing a transplant, these conditions must be carefully managed to improve your overall health. Our team will work with you to:

  • Control your blood pressure to protect your heart and other organs.
  • Regulate blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications.
  • Monitor and improve your nutritional status to ensure you’re strong enough for surgery.

• Blood and Tissue Matching
  A successful kidney transplant requires careful matching between the recipient and donor to reduce the risk of organ rejection. We perform several tests, including:

  • Blood typing: The blood type of the donor must be compatible with yours (A, B, AB, or O).
  • Tissue typing: Also known as HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing, this test ensures that the donor’s tissues are a good match with yours.
  • Cross-matching: This test involves mixing a sample of your blood with the donor’s to check for any adverse reactions.

• Pre-Surgery Preparation
  Once a match is found, you’ll be thoroughly prepared for surgery. This includes:

  • Detailed instructions about fasting and medication management before surgery.
  • Preparing your body by following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
  • Ensuring that all immunizations are up-to-date to reduce the risk of infections.
  • Having a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect during recovery.