To avoid organ failure and death, people with severe diseases go for an organ transplant. The kidney is a major organ of the body, and for people who suffer from renal diseases with a risk of renal failure, kidney transplantation is the only treatment option.
The transplantation procedure is very complex and needs a team of expert nephrologists. Organ transplantation is a major surgery and has a risk of organ failure. In case of organ failure, the person can suffer from major health complications and even die.
Kidney failure can cause complications in the excretory system of the body. Therefore, it is important to get the transplantation done at the best hospital for a kidney transplant in India.
How to prevent kidney rejection and failure?
Even with the best team, there is always a chance of kidney rejection. The patient has to be monitored closely during the recovery period for any possible signs of kidney rejection and failure after the transplant. The doctor will suggest regular checkups and monitoring through primary caregivers to avoid the severe effects of possible kidney failure after the transplant.
Kidney transplant failure has the highest occurrence up to six months after surgery. However, rejection and failure can happen at any time for the patient. If rejection starts, the patient has to get the signs treated by his doctor so that no major repercussions are experienced. To avoid kidney failure after kidney transplantation surgery, it is important for the patient to get his blood tests done regularly and take the prescribed medications on time.
If the patient follows the precautions and advice given by the doctor after the kidney transplantation, then the chances of rejection of the organ go down.
What are the signs of kidney rejection after kidney transplantation?
Since kidney rejection can happen at any time, there are certain signs that the patient should monitor from time to time.
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Creatinine level increase– Blood tests are necessary to monitor the level of creatinine in the blood serum. A high level of creatinine shows the possibility of kidney rejection.
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High fever– A high body temperature can be a sign of an autoimmune reaction and inflammation in the tissues. If the fever goes beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the chance of kidney rejection is very high.
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Flu symptoms– Flu symptoms like chills, vomiting, aches, and headache can be signs of kidney graft rejection. If the flu symptoms do not cure with generic medication and persist, then the patient should go to his nephrologist.
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Tenderness around the kidney– Tenderness around the kidney or slight pain is common during the recovery period. The tenderness and pain go away with time as the body recovers. However, if there is new tenderness after the recovery period and the patient experiences pain that cannot be explained, then he should go to the doctor.
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Swelling in the transplant area– Swelling can be a sign of fluid retention, which indicates infection and graft rejection. If there is swelling around the area where the kidneys are located, immediately contact the doctor.
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Decrease in urine output- The decrease in urine output is a sure sign of kidney failure after the transplant because it confirms that the kidneys are starting to become dysfunctional.
If the patient or caregiver observes these signs, then he should go back to his doctor and start the treatment against possible rejection. The doctor should be kept in the loop about the symptoms and their progression.
How does the doctor detect kidney graft rejection?
At the best hospital for a kidney transplant in India, the patient will also get the facilities to go for tests that monitor kidney graft failure. The patient should go to the same hospital where he went for the transplant so that monitoring and reporting will be easy in the long run. The doctor may suggest repeated blood tests and ultrasounds of the kidneys to ensure that the two kidneys are in good shape.
In severe conditions where signs of kidney graft rejection are apparent, the doctor conducts a kidney biopsy to confirm the rejection of the graft. Once the rejection is diagnosed, the doctor treats the condition with medication. In severe cases, the patient might be admitted to the hospital. The treatment duration and doses depend on the severity of the rejection process.
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Conclusion
Once a graft is in the rejection phase, it can be very difficult to find another kidney graft for the patient. Therefore, it is extremely important for the patient to monitor signs of rejection and report to the doctor before the possibility of kidney failure. With anti-rejection medication, the possibility of graft rejection is avoided. Timely action in such cases is very important. In severe cases where the kidney cannot be salvaged, the patient might go for a second transplant.
