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Common Myths About Kidney Transplants — Busted by Experts

common-myths-about-kidney-transplants-busted-by-experts

common-myths-about-kidney-transplants-busted-by-experts

Kidney transplantation has evolved significantly in recent decades, giving many patients better outcomes than long-term dialysis. While some are concerned about organ rejection or donor compatibility, recent medical advancements have made kidney transplants safer and more successful than ever. Our modern equipment and qualified doctors ensure that patients receive the highest quality Kidney Transplant hospital in Hisar, at Sarvesh Health City. This blog explains common misconceptions about kidney transplants.

Why Is It Important to Dispel these myths? 

The difference between life-changing therapy and misinformation about the truth about kidney transplantation. Transplant candidates frequently lack a thorough awareness of their treatment options, which might result in disinformation from unknown sources and interactions with friends.

  • These misconceptions have a significant impact in several ways. People may delay the completion of their transplant evaluations.
  • Many dismiss viable alternatives, which include living donation.
  • People do not understand the survival benefits of transplantation. Treatment decisions are routinely made using false information.
  • Quality-of-life problems may be misunderstood or exaggerated.

By addressing these myths head on, nephrologists and urologists can assist patients in receiving accurate information about kidney transplants and making educated treatment decisions.

Common Myths and Facts About Kidney Transplantation

Myth 1: Kidney transplants are the last resort.

Transplants are frequently the best option for renal failure. According to research, persons who undergo kidney transplants live longer than those who are on dialysis. The advantages of choosing transplantation as an early treatment option include a higher overall quality of life, less dietary restrictions, lower treatment costs, a lower risk of death, more freedom to work and travel, and more time with loved ones. Particularly remarkable is the concept of preemptive transplantation, in which patients receive a transplant before beginning dialysis. This method has demonstrated great success, with 95% of transplanted kidneys operating effectively after a year.

Myth 2: Only young people can give or receive kidneys.

Age may not usually preclude donation or transplantation. Medical research indicates that age alone does not determine transplant eligibility. The success rates for older recipients remain extremely high, showing that advanced age should not deter anyone from pursuing transplantation. Modern medical advancements allow senior donors to help save lives through kidney donation, and the quality of life for older people can also improve after transplantation. The key problem is not the number of years, but rather the individual’s overall health and medical suitability.

Myth 3: You can only donate a kidney after death. Living donation is common and very effective.

Living kidney donation occurs in two ways, including contributions from blood relatives and donations from people who want to help someone in need. Based on several studies, kidneys from living donors last an average of 15-20 years, whereas deceased donor kidneys last only 7-10 years. The benefits of living kidney donation include shorter wait times for recipients, improved organ matching, planned surgical timing for the best conditions, immediate kidney function following transplant, and higher long-term survival rates.

Myth 4: The Transplanted kidney is always rejected by the body.

Modern treatment has significantly reduced the risk of organ rejection.  Kidney transplantation is a remarkable success story, with rejection rates dropping from 50% in the 1970s to around 10% today. This improvement is the result of significant advances in anti-rejection medications and monitoring procedures. Doctors now have excellent tools for successfully preventing and treating rejection events. Regular monitoring and early diagnosis of possible problems allow medical professionals to alter treatment quickly. When detected early, most rejection events can be effectively treated with medication changes. This proactive approach, along with current anti-rejection medications, has resulted in more successful kidney transplants than ever.

Myth 5: You can’t lead a regular life with only one kidney.

Donors and receivers can enjoy healthy, active lifestyles. In just one kidney human body can survive. Medical research shows that one kidney can perform the functions of two, increasing filtration capacity and allowing the body to function more efficiently. This adaptation allows donors and recipients to engage in ordinary activities without being constrained. People with one kidney can engage in most activities, including regular exercise and sports, full-time employment and career advancement, etc. The key to success is to adhere to medical recommendations and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular check-ups aid in monitoring kidney health, but they become ordinary aspects of life rather than constraints. The studies reveal that kidney donors had the same life expectancy as non-donors, suggesting that having one kidney does not shorten life.

Myth 6: Renal transplants treat renal illness permanently.

Transplants increase quality of life, but they require continuing care. A successful kidney transplant dramatically improves life quality, but it necessitates ongoing care. According to research, transplanted kidneys normally function for 10-20 years, whereas living donor kidneys last 15-20 years and deceased donor kidneys survive 10-15 years on average.Maintaining transplant health requires several essential components, including daily anti-rejection medications for life, regular laboratory monitoring, scheduled transplant team visits, careful infection prevention, routine health screenings, proper hydration maintenance, and kidney-healthy diet adherence.

Myth 7: Kidney donors face a considerable risk of health issues.

Most donors have no long-term health complications. Medical data suggest that kidney donation is extremely safe, with about 3-6% of donors reporting serious difficulties in the immediate postoperative period. The long-term outlook for donors remains positive, with research indicating several reassuring outcomes, including a less than 1% risk of future kidney failure, normal life expectancy comparable to non-donors, excellent quality of life scores post-donation, return to regular activities within weeks, and no increase in long-term mortality rates.

Myth 8: People with chronic conditions cannot get a transplant.

Many chronic illnesses may be managed, which allows for transplantation. Modern transplant therapy has evolved to accommodate patients with a variety of health issues, challenging the long-held idea that chronic illnesses preclude someone from having a kidney transplant.Each potential recipient is evaluated thoroughly, taking into account their total health rather than only their chronic problems. The transplant evaluation team evaluates candidates individually, taking into account a variety of factors such as current health stability, ability to undergo surgery safely, capacity for post-transplant care, life expectancy benefits, support system availability, and medication management capabilities. According to research, people with well-managed chronic illnesses have a high rate of transplant success. Individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers can now effectively receive kidney transplants, as long as their diseases are well-managed.

Conclusion

Kidney transplantation is an important therapy option for many patients with end-stage kidney disease. Dispelling prevalent fallacies regarding the treatment is critical to ensuring that patients and their families make educated health-care decisions.

Understanding the kidney transplant facts, such as donor availability, transplant cost-effectiveness, legal aspects of organ donation, the possibility of returning to work, and the ability to conceive post-transplant, can help demystify the process and encourage more patients to consider this life-changing option.

If you have kidney disease and want to know how to proceed with your treatment, contact an expert Nephrologist at Sarvesh Health City, Kidney Transplant hospital in Hisar, as soon as possible!

FAQs

Q1. Are kidney transplants only taken into consideration after every other option has been exhausted?

Ans. No. Transplants of the kidneys are not a last option. In fact, research indicates that patients who make an early transplant decision particularly prior to beginning dialysis have higher survival rates, better quality of life, and fewer long-term complications.

Q2. Person of any age  give or receive a kidney?

Ans. Eligibility for kidney transplantation is not determined solely by age. As long as they fulfill the medical requirements, older donors and recipients can take part without risk. After receiving a transplant, many seniors experience great results.

Q3. Is it dangerous to donate a living kidney?

Ans. Not at all. Living kidney donation is widespread, secure, and very successful. Compared to kidneys from deceased donors, kidneys from living donors typically last 15 to 20 years.The vast majority of donors can recover completely and lead a normal life with only one kidney.

Q4. Is organ rejection unavoidable in kidney transplants?

Ans. The use of modern immunosuppressive drugs and careful monitoring has significantly reduced the rejection rate to about 10%. The majority of rejection situations are manageable if they are identified and addressed promptly.

Q5. Does a person’s chronic condition automatically rule them out for a transplant?

Ans. Patients may be suitable for transplantation if their chronic diseases, which include diabetes or heart disease, are well-treated. 

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Vijay-Ghodela
DR. VIJAY KUMAR GHODELA

NEPHROLOGIST & KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PHYSICIAN

Consult Dr. Vijay Kumar Ghodela, a leading nephrologist in Hisar, at Sarvesh Health City for expert kidney care. Book your appointment today.