1. Terminal kidney failure - a common reason for this is chronic infection of the glomerulus of the kidney.
2. polycystic kidney disease - a disease in which kidney tissue creates pockets of fluid (cysts).
3. Arterionephrosclerosis - a secondary disease of hypertension.
4. Mediterranean fever
5. Lupus erythematosus

Interstitial nephritis - an infection of the kidneys as a result of the immune system?s response against the kidney tissue.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) - nephropathy and Alport's Syndrome, a syndrome characterized by deafness and kidney failure.

A successful transplant provides most patients an improved quality of life: a life free of dialysis, and with only a few dietary restrictions.

 

The kidney transplant surgery lasts from three to six hours. The new kidney is transplanted into the lower abdomen (removal of the patient’s kidney is usually unnecessary).

The new kidney begins to function shortly after it is connected to the blood vessels.

During the surgery, the patient receiving the transplant receives wide-ranging treatment against a variety of types of infections.

After the surgery, the patient is admitted into the intensive care unit for several days.

Wishing you the best! You have undergone a successful transplant abroad, and in order to take care of the transplanted organ and your health in general, it is important that you make sure that you read and understand the following information as well as follow the instructions:

 

After the surgery, the patient will stay in the recovery room and then, be transferred to the intensive care unit for a period of one to two days, as his or her general status and the functioning of the new transplant in the body dictates. The functioning of the transplant may be assessed according to the general state of the patient and by taking blood tests.

It is important to know that the patient with the new kidney now has a significantly larger responsibility and obligation towards himself. The patient must be aware and pay attention to anything that seems abnormal or that bothers him.

Attention must be given to the following:

• Surgical wounds: The surgical wounds must be washed daily with soap and water (stitches will be removed 12 to 14 days after the surgical procedure).
• Medications must be taken with their proper dosage at the proper time.
• Regular visits and lab tests must be adhered to.
  An appropriately healthy, nutritious and active lifestyle must be adopted.
• Medical follow-up visits must be adhered to at the various clinics.
• Inform family members, the family doctor and any other medical.
• Consult with specialist regarding relevant information about medications and treatments.
• If the patient feels uncertain or uncomfortable about anything, please do not feel embarrassed about or refrain from asking any questions.
• The team of doctors abroad and in the patient’s homeland is available to provide him or her with any necessary information.

1. Possible Post-Transplant Complications:
   The immune system reacting to the transplanted organ as a foreign body.
2. Side effects such as an infection due to the immune system being weakened by anti-rejection medications.

 
Post-Transplant Complications:

Rejection of the transplanted organ is the most significant complication after a transplant, and it may occur in several levels: Very severe rejection: This rarely occurs, and when it does, it happens immediately following the surgical procedure or within a few hours after the surgery. Rejection of this nature is the most difficult to treat. The rejection of the kidney occurs either when the blood types of the patient and the donor are different, or when the patient has a high level of antibodies against the transplanted kidney’s organ tissue.

1. Severe rejection: This may develop during the first three months or even later as a result of complications and infections created from viruses and bacteria. (These complications may be prevented by early treatment of medication immediately following the transplant.
2. Mild rejection: This is any inflammatory infection to which the patient is exposed is in fact a type of slight rejection.

Lab tests provide an indication of transplant dysfunction and with these tests, it is possible to diagnose a severe rejection early on. Most cases of rejection, including even the most severe, can be treated completely and successfully.

 

There are three families of medication:

1. The most common type of medication among transplant patients is: Tacrolimus (Prograf) or Cyclosporine (Neoral).
2. Mycophenolate: Mofetil (CellCept) or Azathioprine (Imuran).
3. Rapamycin, (Rapamune) Steroids: In most cases, these are also prescribed.

Side Effects from Anti-Rejection Medication:
Due to the weakening of the immune system, the patient’s body is more susceptible to infections and inflammations. The medications suppress those that affect the immune system. Therefore, the patient must be cautious of contracting infectious illnesses.

Life After the Transplant:
After the surgery, life must return to its routine. The patient must progress slowly in order to become stronger and return to carrying out usual activities. The patient must treat himself as a normal, healthy human being in all activities involving relatives, work and leisure time.
The attending physician and the personnel at the follow-up outpatient clinic will assist in providing logical and effective proposals for “proper healthy habits.”

Ways to Prevent Infection:

1. Avoid crowded places such as auditoriums and shopping centers during changes in the weather.
2. Avoid close contact with those suffering from the flu.
3. Always wash hands after paying a visit to a restroom and before every meal.
4. Wear gloves when handling unsanitary objects.

Some Guidance:
In the follow-up outpatient clinic back in the patient’s home country, the patient will receive a schedule for regular visits at the clinic for lab tests, medical exams and other assessments. The object is to monitor the recuperation of the patient and his or her general status, and identify signs of developing complications as early as possible.

 

Following the transplant, many patients experience increased appetite and consequently undesired weight gain, which can create other complications such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart diseases. Therefore, high calorie foods must be avoided. These include sweets, greasy foods, cakes and sugar.

The following foods are acceptable:

1. Fresh fruit and vegetables.
2. Skin-less chicken, fat-less meat and fish (not fried).
3. Low-fat milk products.
4. Sugar-free beverages.

In addition, the medications taken after the transplant have an effect on the diet. All the necessary information may be obtained from the attending doctor.

Physical Exercise:

Physical exercise is the most important thing after a transplant procedure, for physical and mental health alike. Physical activity reduces the effect of muscle weakness influenced by the medications. The activity program needs to be progressive (developing in stages) so that the level of exercise is continuously but gradually rising. When the patient adheres to the exercise program, his or her level of physical fitness and status of health will also rise.

Sexual Activity:

Sexual activity depends upon the general pace of recovery, and should be discussed with the doctor. Sometimes sexual activity is affected by the transplant procedure, as well as certain medications. Additionally, certain medications also may harm it. Some abstain from sexual activity due to worrying about contracting infections. If there is any concern, the patient should consult with the clinic personnel.

Returning to Work:

Usually, there is no problem with returning to routine work. Nevertheless, the patient should consult with the attending doctor regarding when to return and what type of work is acceptable.

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For medical matters, the finest doctors in the field of heart transplantation will answer all questions.

Physical exercise is the most important thing after a transplant procedure, for physical and mental health alike. Physical activity reduces the effect of muscle weakness influenced by the medications. The activity program needs to be progressive (developing in stages) so that the level of exercise is continuously but gradually rising. When the patient adheres to the exercise program, his or her level of physical fitness and status of health will also rise.

Sexual activity depends upon the general pace of recovery, and should be discussed with the doctor. Sometimes sexual activity is affected by the transplant procedure, as well as certain medications. Additionally, certain medications also may harm it. Some abstain from sexual activity due to worrying about contracting infections. If there is any concern, the patient should consult with the clinic personnel.

Usually, there is no problem with returning to routine work. Nevertheless, the patient should consult with the attending doctor regarding when to return and what type of work is acceptable.