Kidney transplant is a life-saving surgery in which a healthy kidney from a donor is placed in the body of recipient. For those with end-stage kidney disease, it enhances quality of life. Despite all the advantages of kidney transplant, there are still many misconceptions about it. We will discuss and dispel some of the most prevalent kidney transplant myths in this blog, closely curated by the experts in kidney transplant in India.
Myth #1: Only the wealthy can have a Kidney Transplant
This is a widespread misunderstanding that may discourage many individuals from pursuing kidney transplant. Most health insurance plans cover the majority of the costs connected to the process. For patients who are unable to pay for the transplant, there are numerous financial aid programmes available. These initiatives can assist in defraying the cost of prescription drugs, inpatient stays, and other transplant-related fees.
Myth #2: Only young people can receive Kidney Transplants
Many people think that kidney transplant is only an option for young, healthy people. Truth be told, kidney transplant can be successful for patients of all ages, even elderly ones. Indeed, research has revealed that older adults who receive kidney transplants live longer than those who continue on dialysis
Myth #3: A successful Kidney Transplant is always possible.
General health of the recipient, quality of the donor kidney, and the drugs taken to prevent rejection are only a few of the many variables that might influence outcome of the transplant. Usually transplanted kidneys last for years before the kidney starts to fail. It's critical to have regular check-ups and monitoring to guarantee the transplant's long-term success.
Myth #4: A Kidney Transplant can only be obtained from a living donor.
Many people think that getting a kidney transplant from a living donor is the only option. However, transplanting kidneys from deceased donors is also a possibility. In reality, dead donors account for the majority of kidney transplants across the world, in India however living donors.
Myth #5: If you have additional health issues, you cannot get a Kidney Transplant.
Other medical conditions do not automatically rule out a person from getting a transplant, though they can increase the risk of complications during and after a kidney transplant. Numerous diabetics, people with heart conditions, and others have undergone kidney transplants successfully. To control these problems and lower the risk of complications, it is crucial to keep co-morbid condition under good control.
Myth #6: A Kidney Transplant can only be done once.
Some individuals think that a kidney transplant is a one-time treatment and that if the first one fails, a person cannot have another one. It is possible to receive many kidney transplants, though. In fact, if the first transplant fails, many people have a second or even third one. Despite having a slightly lower success rate than the first transplant, a second transplant is still a good option for many patients.
Myth #7: To receive a kidney transplant, you must have a matching blood type.
While having a compatible blood type is desirable for a kidney transplant to be successful, it is not obligatory. It may occasionally be feasible to get a kidney from a donor with incompatible blood type. The prerequisite for incompatible blood type is kidney transplant to eliminate the antibodies that would attack the transplanted kidney.
Many patients may benefit from this procedure, which can also significantly shorten the time spent looking for a compatible donor.
Myth #8: You have to continue taking immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of your life.
Immunosuppressive drugs must be taken by patients after a kidney transplant to stop their immune systems from rejecting the organ. The amount and type of medications decrease over time. To decide about the drugs and avoid complications, it's crucial to collaborate closely with the transplant team.
For those with end-stage kidney disease, a kidney transplant is a life-saving treatment that can vastly enhance quality of life. Even though there are numerous misconceptions about kidney transplant, it's crucial to base your selection on honest information given by the kidney specialist in Gurugram. By dispelling these widespread misconceptions, we seek to better the general health and well-being of patients and their families by enabling them to make educated decisions about kidney transplant.
Dr. Sumit Sharma, Director and Head of the Department
Urology, Uro-Oncology, Andrology, Uro-Robotics
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