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How to properly care for the patient after kidney transplant surgery

One of the most effective treatments for kidney disease is a kidney transplant. Allow the patient to continue living with a new kidney that can function normally. The newly acquired kidney is someone else’s kidney. This can sometimes cause the body’s resistance if you take medication that suppresses the immune system unevenly. It depends on the body of each patient.

However, after a kidney transplant, you still need to take proper care of your body. To prevent infection and abnormal functioning of new kidneys inserted into the body. and to understand the care after a kidney transplant This time is a detailed presentation from experts.

Understanding kidney replacement therapy

Renal replacement therapy refers to the therapy to replace the kidneys of patients who are unable to work on their own by various means to be able to continue living. There are 3 methods of kidney replacement therapy which are:

• Hemodialysis
• peritoneal dialysis
• kidney transplant (kidney replacement)

Kidney transplant procedure

1. Before the transplant, the advantages and disadvantages of kidney transplantation will be explained to the patient and informed first.
2. Kidney donors and patients who agree to receive a kidney transplant are prepared before the transplant.
3. Enter the kidney transplant process
4. The patient was cared for at the hospital according to the procedure.
5. Patients are receiving proper care at home. both taking care of yourself and being cared for by a caregiver

Origin of the transplanted kidney

• Received from the living
• Received from a brain-dead (death) patient.

Features of living kidney donors

1. Age equal to or over 20 years old and should not be over 60 unless the donor has very good health care.
2. No high blood pressure that is difficult to control.
3. No diabetes
4. No history of chronic kidney disease
5. There is no more than 300 mg of protein in the urine per 24 hours.
6. With a glomerular filtration rate greater than 80 ml/min/1.73 square meters
7. No obesity or BMI greater than 35
8. Not suffering from serious medical diseases
9. No hepatitis B, hepatitis C, incurable HIV infection.
10. Must be a blood relative or spouse according to the law and regulations of the Medical Council (Married for at least 3 years or have at least 1 child together)
11. Must not be organ trading

A kidney transplant from a brain-dead patient

A brain dead patient is a deceased person whose brain cells die But other organs, including the kidneys, can still function. Therefore, it can be transplanted to patients with kidney disease. which requires the consent of the relatives or the intention of the deceased in advance to donate a kidney However, the used kidney must be screened thoroughly by a doctor before transplantation.

Advantages of a kidney transplant

• Don’t need dialysis or abdominal dialysis
• Stronger body
• No water restrictions or dietary restrictions.
• Returning to life as close to normal as possible better quality of life
• More time for yourself and your family.
• Patients of childbearing age able to have children normally

Disadvantages of a kidney transplant

• risk of surgery such as blood loss
• It can easily cause infection.
• It can cause kidney rejection.

Caring for patients after kidney transplant

1. Be wary of infection in the early days after a kidney transplant. by taking care of the daily routine focus on cleanliness Air, food and drinking water are the main, especially during the first 3 months.
2. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 kg because the wound is not completely closed and may tear.
3. Be careful not to get the wound wet. and keep an eye on the wound regularly If swelling is red, you should see a doctor.
4. Getting vaccinated requires telling your doctor that you’ve received a kidney transplant.
5. Be careful about being in the sun for a long time. Because kidney transplant patients still have weak immune systems. Can’t repair damaged parts from ultraviolet rays. And there is a risk of skin cancer than the general population.
6. People who have undergone a kidney transplant will receive immunosuppressant and steroid medication resulting in high blood fat and high blood pressure Therefore, be careful about food in the beginning. Also need to avoid salty foods. The best way is to eat tasteless food.
7. Must keep track of treatment according to doctor’s appointments regularly
8. Able to exercise But be careful in sports that have impact or risk hitting the chest and abdomen, such as boxing, kicking a ball, etc., can swim. But at first be careful about the wound that is not dry.

Signs of new kidney dysfunction

1. Body fever of more than 37.8 degrees Celsius
2. Systolic pressure greater than 180 or severe headache
3. Pain in the area where the new kidney was inserted
4. Swelling of the body such as legs, eyelids, hands, feet, weight gain
5. Coughing for more than 2 weeks
6. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
7. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue
8. Fluid diarrhea for several days
9. There are blisters similar to herpes on the body.

If there are symptoms that signal abnormal kidney function after the transplant Should see a doctor immediately for a detailed diagnosis. and if the body is found to have resistance Additional immunosuppressive drugs may be given or a new kidney may need to be inserted. and treat kidney disease with other methods instead.