Can a transplanted kidney last forever?

In this post we will focus on “Can a transplanted kidney last forever?” Why do kidney transplants only last 10 years? How long does a live kidney transplant last?

In the literature, there are transplantation kidneys that have worked for more than 30 years, as well as patients who lost their kidneys in the first year after transplantation. Success rates reported after live donor kidney transplantation are in the range of 93-98 percent. Due to the high success rates, ‘kidney transplant’ has become the gold standard treatment. However, it should not be forgotten that ultimately kidney transplant is a treatment method. Therefore, it is not a treatment that promises 100 percent success. There are many factors that determine success. Many factors affect the patient’s general health, social habits (smoking, alcohol), the experience of the team to perform the treatment, taking the patient’s medication after the treatment according to the doctor’s recommendations, and compliance with the outpatient clinic controls.

Renal rejection can occur when a patient who has had a long period after kidney transplantation without any problems discontinues their medication without consulting their doctor. Therefore, a person who is a candidate for kidney transplant will be told in detail that he will use drugs after transplantation and will come to regular polyclinic controls.

Kidney Transplant Expected Life

Today, organ transplants are much better than the dialysis treatment which is the alternative of life expectancy. The quality of life of patients with kidney transplantation is like a normal healthy person. Since the machine to which it is attached while the patient is on dialysis cannot perform all the tasks of living kidney tissue, patients in dialysis live with many restrictions, especially not being able to drink water freely, not eating everything. Over time, they encounter additional problems such as anemia, cardiovascular diseases, and various infections. For these reasons and because they spend most of their time in dialysis centers, they have no chance to live like a healthy person.

Briefly, those with kidney transplantation can take part in working life and social life as they gain both mental and physical health and the time they spend on dialysis.

FAQS

Can a kidney transplant last 30 years? &  Can a transplanted kidney last forever? & What is the average life expectancy after a kidney transplant?& How long can kidney transplant last?

Answer: There is no certain answer. A transplanted kidney’s lifespan is 15 to 20 years on average but there are cases up to 30 years. If the kidney stops working, the patient is back on the waiting list for a new one.

What is kidney transplantation and who is eligible for it?

Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is placed into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly. Eligibility typically includes individuals with end-stage renal disease who are in good overall health.

What are the risks involved in kidney transplantation?

Risks include organ rejection, infection, side effects from immunosuppressive medications, surgical complications, and recurrence of the original kidney disease.

How is a donor kidney matched to a recipient?

Matching involves blood type compatibility, tissue typing, and crossmatching to ensure the best possible match between donor and recipient.

Can kidney transplantation be performed by a living donor?

Yes, living donor kidney transplantation is performed because there are not enough organs for every kidney failure patient, and it provides longer kidney life when performed by a suitable donor.

What is the kidney transplant evaluation process?

The evaluation process includes medical tests, psychological assessments, and discussions about the risks and benefits of transplantation to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate.

How long is the waiting list for a kidney transplant?

The waiting time varies based on factors like blood type, tissue compatibility, and the availability of donor kidneys, which can range from months to years.

What is the recovery process after a kidney transplant?

Recovery involves hospital stay for monitoring, followed by gradual return to normal activities, with ongoing medical follow-ups to ensure the transplanted kidney is functioning well.

Does kidney transplantation cure kidney disease?

While kidney transplantation can restore kidney function, it does not cure the underlying cause of kidney disease, and ongoing medical care is necessary.

Are there any lifestyle changes required after a kidney transplant?

Yes, lifestyle changes include adhering to a medication regimen, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding infections to ensure the health of the transplanted kidney.

MORE information about Kidney Transplant

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