The duration of kidney transplantation surgery varies depending on several factors, such as the patient’s medical condition and whether they have undergone previous surgeries.

The success of kidney transplantation does not depend only on the surgery itself, but also requires several complex steps—from selecting the right donor to adhering to immunosuppressive medications after surgery, along with following important instructions to prevent infections.

Kidney Transplant Surgery

Patients with end-stage renal disease face two options: dialysis three times a week or kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplantation saves patients from the suffering and many risks associated with dialysis.

The donor kidney can be obtained either from a living relative willing to donate or from a deceased person.

Before the transplant, compatibility tests must be performed, such as tissue matching, to ensure the recipient’s body will not strongly reject the donor kidney.

The immune system naturally attacks any foreign organ, so doctors test compatibility to reduce the risk of severe rejection.

Duration of Kidney Transplant Surgery

The surgery usually takes about three hours, as it is a complex procedure requiring surgical expertise.

• An incision is made in the lower abdomen, where the donor kidney is placed in the pelvic area.
• The patient’s own kidneys are left in place.
• The donor kidney’s blood vessels are connected to the patient’s pelvic vessels.
• The ureter is attached to the bladder.
• The surgeon ensures proper blood flow before closing the incision.

The immune system treats the donor kidney as foreign and may attack it, leading to acute rejection (sudden and severe, potentially fatal) or chronic rejection (slower and manageable with medications).

Although the surgery itself lasts only three hours, maintaining the transplanted kidney requires years of careful follow-up and medication.

Medications After Surgery

To prevent rejection, patients must take lifelong immunosuppressants, such as:

• Cyclosporine
• Prograf (Tacrolimus)
• CellCept (Mycophenolate mofetil)
• Prednisone

Success Rate of Kidney Transplantation

• One-year survival rate: 97%
• Five-year survival rate: 86%

This means 97% of patients live for at least one year post-surgery, and 86% live at least five years.

Risks and Complications

During Surgery:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Damage to surrounding organs (intestines, pelvic vessels)
• Urine leakage or ureter blockage
• Surgical site infection

After Surgery (due to immunosuppressants):

• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Increased infection risk
• Headaches, tremors, dizziness
• Stomach ulcers, vomiting
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis

Causes of Transplant Failure:

• Acute or chronic rejection (25% of failures)
• Recurrence of the original kidney disease (4.9%)
• Ureter obstruction from scar tissue
• Toxicity from immunosuppressants
• Renal artery blockage

Recovery and Isolation Period

Since immunosuppressants weaken the immune system, patients must:

• Avoid infection sources and direct contact with sick people.
• Delay live-virus vaccines for 6 months, but take annual flu shots.
• Maintain strict hygiene and follow a healthy diet.

Cost of Kidney Transplant in Turkey

The cost is around $20,000 USD, which is competitive compared to other countries. Prices vary depending on the hospital, surgeon’s expertise, pre-surgery dialysis, and length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

• Duration: ~3 hours.
• Success rate: 97% (1 year), 86% (5 years).
• Risks: Possible complications during and after surgery.
• Outcome: With proper donor selection, strict medication use, and healthy lifestyle, patients can enjoy years of improved quality of life.

Sources:

• Kidney transplant
• Kidney transplant survival rate
• Medications after kidney transplant
• Risks of kidney transplant
• Steps of kidney transplant