Yes. Proper medication, lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, and regular medical checkups can help patients live a normal life.

Synopsis
Kidney transplant is a specific surgical procedure in which a surgeon replaces a failing kidney with a healthy donor kidney. It improves the quality of life and reduces dependency on dialysis. Also, lifelong immunosuppressants are required to keep the immune system from attacking the newly transplanted kidneys.
Introduction
When a person’s kidney is not working as it should and is causing discomfort in life - it needs to be replaced with a new working kidney. The procedure is known as a kidney transplant. Most people get their kidneys transplanted after being on dialysis for a certain period. However, today, doctors advise getting the transplant done as early as possible. This is because - it leads to better long-term health.
Many hospitals, such as - Gleneagle Hospital, the best hospital for kidney transplants in Bangalore, offer kidney transplant surgery. They aim to help people live better and healthier lives by using new-age technology and robot-assisted surgical methods to proceed with the surgery.
However, it is important to remember that transplanting a kidney does not ensure that the kidney is cured. Following the surgery, there are several recommendations that a patient needs to adhere to for a successful surgery.
What Is Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is done to replace a diseased/damaged kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor. In general, people of all ages are considered for transplants. The kidney may come from the deceased or a living donor - which is decided based on the compatibility check.
Before the surgery, all the patients have to undergo psychological and physical evaluation to be considered ideal candidates for a kidney transplant. During the transplant, the old kidneys are not removed until the patient has polycystic kidney disease. There are two types of kidney transplants done -
- Living Donor Kidney Transplant
- Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant
Why Is It Done?
A kidney transplant is done if a patient is suffering from end-stage renal disease (ERSD). This is a condition of permanent kidney failure, which often needs dialysis. It is a process used to remove wastes and other substances from the blood.
Some conditions that may lead to ESRD are -
- Kidney failure caused by diabetes or high BP
- Polycystic kidney disease or other inherited condition
- Glomerulonephritis - Inflammation of the kidney
- Lupus or other immune diseases
- Haemolytic uremic syndrome
- Repeated urinary function
Other conditions, such as congenital kidney disease, may also result in the need for a kidney transplant.
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Preparation For Kidney Transplant
Before receiving a kidney, the patient has to be on the waiting list. However, before adding them to the list, they have to undergo extensive testing. The transplant team, which mostly includes a transplant surgeon, a transplant nephrologist, transplant nurses, etc., will evaluate them for a kidney transplant. Also, there might be a dietician involved, in addition to an anaesthesiologist and nurse anaesthetist.
The testing may include -
- Mental Health Evaluation - This is done to ensure the patient is free from stress and financial issues and is supported by family. These issues usually adversely affect the result of the transplant. The same evaluation is done for living donors as well.
- Blood Tests - Blood tests are done to identify any underlying disease in the donor or the receiver. This helps increase the chance of a body accepting the transplant. It also checks for compatibility to find a good donor match.
- Diagnostic Tests - Diagnostic tests are done to check the kidneys and overall health status. These tests may include X-rays, CT Scans, a kidney biopsy, an ultrasound, dental exams, etc. Women may be recommended to undergo a pap test, gynaecology evaluation, and a mammogram.
The transplant team will weigh in all the facts from the consultation, the medical history of the patient, physical exam, and tests to determine your eligibility for a kidney transplant. Once the patient has been shortlisted, they will be placed on the waiting list till a donor is found. After they are found, the doctors will ask the patient to visit the hospital.
Procedure Of Kidney Transplant Bangalore
The procedure of a Kidney Transplant in Bangalore may vary depending on the condition of the patient and the healthcare provider’s practice. Generally, they follow the process as mentioned below -
- The patient is asked to reach the hospital early to check for blood pressure and basic monitoring.
- They will be asked to put on a hospital gown. Then, an intravenous line (IV) will be given either on the hand or the arm. More catheters may be put on the wrist and neck to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, etc.
- Then, a urinary catheter may be inserted into the bladder, and the patient will be laid on the back.
- The surgery is mostly done under general anaesthesia. During the surgery, a tube will be inserted through the mouth into the lungs. The tube is then attached to a ventilator that will breathe for the patient.
- Before making an incision, the doctors will clean the surgical site with an antiseptic liquid. Once done, the surgery will be made into the lower abdomen on one side.
- Then, the donor kidney will be placed into the abdomen. A left donor kidney will be implanted on the right side and the right one on the left side. This allows easy access to the ureter to connect the bladder.
- After placing the kidneys, the renal artery and vein of the donor's kidney will be sewn to the external iliac artery and vein.
- After the artery and veins are attached, the doctors will check for the blood flow through these vessels. Also, the donor ureter will be connected to the bladder.
- Once the transplantation is done, the surgical site is stitched, stapled, or glued. Then, the doctor may also place a drain to prevent fluid accumulation at the surgical site.
The patient is monitored in an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for a few days to check for signs of rejection or infection.

Aftercare & Recovery
A kidney transplant helps ensure a properly working kidney. However, effective care is essential for long-term success and overall well-being. The recovery for each patient varies, but most people can resume normal activities within a few months - as directed by the doctors.
- Immediate Post-Transplant Care: After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for about a week to monitor kidney function and recovery. The best kidney transplant doctor in Bangalore checks for signs of organ rejection, infection, and other complications. It also involves pain management, fluid balance maintenance, and wound care.
- Medication And Monitoring: Patients are advised to take immunosuppressant medication. This prevents the immune system from attacking the new kidney. The medication is recommended for life, but after a certain period, the dose may be adjusted. Also, blood tests and kidney function assessments are done to help ensure the transplantation is done well.
- Lifestyle And Dietary Changes: After a kidney transplant surgery, the patients need to follow a healthy diet plan. It helps maintain kidney health and function. Here’s what a patient must do;
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive caffeine.
- Exercise regularly, but it is advisable to avoid high-impact training in the initial days.
- Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet - low in sodium and processed food.
- Preventing Rejections And Infections: It is important to prevent infection as the immunosuppressants weaken the immune system. Hence, patients are advised to follow and practice good hygiene, avoid crowded places, stay away from sick people, and get vaccinated as advised by the healthcare provider. If they feel any symptoms of fever, chills, or swelling, it is important to see a doctor.
Risks And Complications
- Risk of cancer
- Organ rejection may be possible
- It may require temporary dialysis
- Infections due to immunosuppressants
- Issues such as leaks, blockages, or narrowing of blood vessels
Why Choose Gleneagles For Kidney Transplant In Bangalore?
Gleneagles Hospital is a leading hospital in India for kidney transplants. We offer various services, such as kidney transplant surgeries, comprehensive care, and post-operative care. Our kidney transplant services include -
- ABO Incompatible Transplants
- Continuous Post-Operative Care
- Multidisciplinary Approach
Our approaches ensure a personalised treatment plan, thorough pre-surgery evaluation, and many more. This helps make sure that it results in the best outcome. We are committed to excellence, which makes us the best kidney transplant hospital in Bangalore.
Our Doctors
View allDr Anil Kumar B T
HOD and Sr Consultant - Nephrologist and Transplant Physician
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Nephrology)
Dr Rajiv E N
Consultant - Nephrologist and Transplant Physician
MBBS, MD (Gen Medicine), DM (Nephrology)
Dr Naveen M N
Consultant - Urologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon
MBBS, MS (Gen Surgery), DNB SS (Urology)
Dr Prasad C
Consultant - Endourologist, Andrologist & Infertility Specialist
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Urology), DrNB (Urology)
Dr Narendra S
HOD & Sr Consultant - Urology and Renal Transplant Surgery
MBBS, MS (Gen Surgery), M.Ch (Urology)
Frequently Asked Questions
A kidney transplant in Bangalore from experienced surgeons at Gleneagles Hospitals offers a better quality of life. It improves longevity compared to long-term dialysis.
A transplanted kidney lasts 10-15 years (from deceased donors) and 15-20 years (from living donors). However, several other factors determine the longevity of the transplanted kidney.
If the transplanted kidney fails, the patient may need dialysis or another transplant, depending on their condition.
It is advisable not to drink alcohol as it may damage the kidneys and interact with transplant medications. This leads to decreased efficiency of the medication.