Kidney transplant in Turkey
Kidney Transplantation in Turkey
What is Kidney Transplantation?
Kidney transplantation in Turkey is a surgical procedure that involves obtaining a kidney from a healthy individual (known as the donor) who has no functional deficiencies in their kidneys and transplanting it into a person suffering from chronic kidney failure. The success rate of kidney transplants in Turkey is very high due to modern techniques and advanced equipment used. Additionally, the cost of a kidney transplant procedure is not very expensive.
Why is Kidney Transplantation Necessary?
Although lifelong dialysis or peritoneal dialysis is an option for patients with kidney failure, kidney transplantation in Turkey is considered the only definitive treatment with a high success rate for chronic kidney failure. This surgical procedure aims to improve the patient’s quality of life and avoid complications that may arise from long-term dialysis. Chronic kidney failure usually develops due to several factors, including:
- Prolonged high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Chronic inflammation of the kidney glomeruli
- Polycystic kidney disease
Are There Specific Requirements for Donors?
The donor must be an adult with full mental capacity, fully aware of the detailed procedures from surgery to full recovery, and the potential complications that may occur after surgery. They must also be in good health without chronic diseases (such as heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma). Kidney function tests for the donor should show normal results, and there must be tissue compatibility between the patient and donor, confirmed through lab tests. Ideally, the donor should be a close relative, from first to fourth degree.
What Are the Possible Complications After a Kidney Transplant?
Potential complications include standard surgical risks like bleeding, wound infection, or blood clots. These can usually be prevented with good medical care after surgery and by following the doctor’s instructions. There’s also a risk of the body rejecting the new kidney, which occurs due to a strong immune response viewing the new kidney as a foreign object. Therefore, doctors prescribe immunosuppressant drugs immediately after surgery to minimize this risk, and patients are advised to continue taking these medications for life. Additionally, immunosuppressants may increase susceptibility to infections.
Over time, immunosuppressants and corticosteroids can cause side effects, such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Elevated cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Hair loss or excessive hair growth in unusual areas
- Weight gain
What Are the Steps for Kidney Transplantation?
The patient must first undergo a thorough physical examination and psychological assessment, followed by preparatory tests, including a complete blood count, urine analysis, blood sugar levels, bleeding and clotting times, liver and kidney function tests, ECG, and imaging of the abdomen and pelvis using ultrasound or CT.
The surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision on one side of the abdomen, places the kidney received from the donor in a lower position compared to the diseased kidney (usually keeping the diseased kidney in place), connects the blood vessels to the transplanted kidney to ensure blood flow, and connects the ureter to the bladder. Once the new kidney is in place, the incision is closed, and the patient’s vital signs, especially blood pressure and urine output, are closely monitored. Kidney function tests are conducted periodically to track the patient’s progress.
The patient typically stays in the hospital for several days to a week. Upon discharge, the patient is instructed to follow a regimen of immunosuppressive drugs, drink plenty of water, reduce salt and fat intake, and attend regular medical check-ups. Following these guidelines ensures the success of the kidney transplant with minimal complications.
For Which Conditions Is Kidney Transplantation Performed?
Kidney transplantation in Turkey is performed for chronic kidney failure, one of the most insidious diseases, as it can progress without any symptoms. Key causes of chronic kidney failure include diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney inflammation. When the kidney’s filtration function drops below 30 (out of 85–100), symptoms begin to appear, such as swelling under the eyelids, mild swelling in hands and feet, weakness, and foamy urine due to high protein levels.
How Is Kidney Transplantation Performed?
Although cadaveric transplants from individuals with brain death have increased globally, live-donor kidney transplants are more common in Turkey. For the comfort and health of live donors, a laparoscopic or minimally invasive technique is often used. Instead of a large incision, this technique involves small incisions in the abdomen, resulting in less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to normal activities.
Robotic Kidney Transplantation
In advanced centers in Turkey, robotic technology (Da Vinci robotic surgery) is used for kidney transplantation, benefiting both the surgical team and patient. Using this technology, incisions are minimal, reducing complications and ensuring a high success rate.
Success Rate of Kidney Transplants
Kidney transplant success rates vary between 70% and 95%, with robotic techniques offering success rates between 90% and 95%, due to precise control and advanced techniques. The lifespan of a transplanted kidney depends on several factors, including patient health, quality of the donated kidney, and adherence to immunosuppressant medication, generally lasting between 10 and 15 years.
Kidney Transplantation in Turkey: Advanced Medical Care with Dr. Al-Akkad
If you seek a healthier life through a kidney transplant in Turkey, we offer an optimal solution with advanced techniques and extensive expertise. Under Dr. Al-Akkad’s supervision, you will benefit from the latest medical approaches in Turkey’s top hospitals.
Why Choose Kidney Transplantation in Turkey with Dr. Al-Akkad?
- Advanced Robotic Techniques: We proudly use robotic technology for kidney transplants, ensuring precision and minimized risks, leading to excellent results and quicker recovery.
- Experienced Medical Team: Dr. Al-Akkad and his team have vast experience in kidney transplantation, providing exceptional medical care with high success rates.
- Top Hospitals in Turkey: We work with the best hospitals in Turkey, equipped with cutting-edge medical facilities to provide the best professional experience and outcomes.
Benefits of Kidney Transplantation in Turkey
- Personalized Care: From the initial consultation to post-operative care, we provide comprehensive support to ensure comfort and success.
- Guaranteed Results: Our use of robotic techniques enhances procedure accuracy and shortens recovery time.
- Competitive Costs: Compared to other options, we offer kidney transplantation in Turkey at affordable prices with high-quality service.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a healthy new life, kidney transplantation in Turkey with Dr. Al-Akkad is the perfect choice. Contact us today for a detailed consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the best health outcomes.
We are here to support you at every stage of your health journey. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about kidney transplantation in Turkey and how to begin the process.