Kidney Transplant Evaluation & Follow-Up

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our comprehensive Kidney Transplant Evaluation & Follow-Up program is designed to ensure that patients receive thorough assessments before surgery and continuous, specialized care afterward to promote long-term success.

Evaluation Phase:

The transplant evaluation process involves a series of medical, psychological, and social assessments to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for a kidney transplant. Key components include:

• Medical Testing: Blood tests, imaging studies, cardiac evaluations, and infection screenings to assess overall health.
• Compatibility Testing: Blood type and HLA tissue typing to find a matching donor.
• Consultations: Meeting with nephrologists, transplant surgeons, dietitians, social workers, and financial counselors.
• Psychosocial Assessment: Evaluation of mental health, lifestyle, support system, and ability to adhere to post-transplant regimens.

• Medication Management: Adjusting and monitoring immunosuppressants to prevent organ rejection.
• Routine Lab Tests: Regular blood work to track kidney function and detect early signs of complications.
• Infection Prevention: Guidance on maintaining hygiene and managing immunosuppression-related infection risks.
• Diet and Lifestyle Counseling: Support for a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy habits.
• Emotional Support: Ongoing counseling for emotional and psychological well-being during recovery and beyond.

Diagnosis

Kidney transplant is generally considered for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — a condition where kidney function drops below 10-15%. Diagnosis involves:

• Blood Tests: to evaluate kidney function (e.g., creatinine, GFR).
• Imaging Tests: such as ultrasound or CT scans to assess kidney structure.
• Urine Tests: for protein, blood, and other abnormalities.
• Dialysis History: (if already started).

Treatment / Evaluation Process

The kidney transplant treatment plan involves:

1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation:

• Complete health checkups including heart, liver, and infectious disease screening.
• Psychological evaluation to check emotional readiness.
• Financial and social support assessment.

2. Donor Matching:

• Can be a living donor (related/unrelated) or a deceased donor.
• Compatibility and crossmatch tests are done.

3. Transplant Surgery:

• A healthy kidney is surgically implanted into the lower abdomen.
• Patient’s own diseased kidneys are usually not removed unless necessary.