Kidney Transplant

Kidney Transplant 

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a person whose kidneys have failed. It is considered the best treatment option for many people with end-stage kidney disease because it can offer a better quality of life and longer survival compared to dialysis. 

 

What is a Kidney Transplant? 

When the kidneys can no longer function properly, waste and fluid build up in the body, leading to life-threatening problems. A kidney transplant replaces the failing kidneys with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. With a successful transplant, patients can regain near-normal kidney function. 

 

Benefits of a Kidney Transplant 

• Improved quality of life 
• Increased energy levels 
• Fewer dietary restrictions compared to dialysis 
• Freedom from regular dialysis sessions 
• Longer life expectancy compared to staying on dialysis 

 

Who Can Get a Kidney Transplant? 

Kidney transplants are not suitable for everyone. Patients must undergo a thorough evaluation to determine eligibility, considering factors such as: 

• Overall health condition
• Presence of other illnesses (e.g., heart disease, cancer)
• Ability to undergo surgery 
• Commitment to follow post-transplant care and medication plans 

 

Types of Kidney Transplants 

• Living Donor Transplant: A kidney is donated by a living person, often a family member, friend, or altruistic donor. 
• Deceased Donor Transplant: A kidney is donated from someone who has recently died and whose family has agreed to organ donation. 

Living donor transplants generally have better long-term outcomes. 

 

The Transplant Process 

1. Evaluation: Medical tests and assessments to ensure transplant suitability.
2. Waiting List: If a living donor is not available, patients are placed on a national transplant waiting list.
3. Surgery: The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen; often, the failing kidneys are left in place unless they cause complications.
4. Recovery: Hospital stay followed by regular checkups and lifelong medication to prevent rejection. 

 

Life After a Kidney Transplant 

• Daily medications (immunosuppressants) to prevent organ rejection 

• Regular follow-up visits with the transplant team 

• Healthy lifestyle choices (balanced diet, exercise, avoiding infections) 

• Staying vigilant for signs of organ rejection or complications 

 A transplant offers a new lease on life, but it also requires a lifelong commitment to health management.

National Transplant Registry 

 

For more information on kidney transplants, organ donation, and Malaysia’s transplant statistics, please visit the National Transplant Registry (NTR) 

NKF Support for Kidney Transplant Patients 

At NKF, we support patients through every step of their transplant journey. Our services include: 

• Education on transplant options 

• Counseling for patients and families 

• Support groups for transplant recipients 

• Financial assistance for qualifying patients 

👉 Learn more about how NKF can support your transplant journey here.