Kidney Transplant Surgery

What is Kidney Transplant Surgery?

A kidney transplant Surgery is a surgical procedure to replace a non-functional or damaged kidney with a healthy one. It is one of the most common organ transplant surgeries performed today. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each located on either side of the spine below the rib cage. Each one is about the size of a closed fist. The main role of the kidneys is to filter waste products and purify the blood. If the kidneys are not able to perform this function, waste products can build up in the body, which could be life-threatening.

What Happens When Kidneys Fail?

Harmful waste builds up in the body, which may lead to:

• High Blood Pressure
• Edema (Fluid build-up)
• Salts and Acids get out of balance
• Decreased RBCs
• Weak Bones

All of these can be harmful and/or deadly to the body.

Common causes of end-stage renal disease include:

• Diabetes
• Chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Polycystic kidney disease

People with kidney disease need to have waste removed from their blood via a machine (dialysis) or a kidney transplant to stay alive and have a functional body.

Who can have a kidney transplant Surgery?

Most people who need a kidney transplant can have one, as long as:

• they're well enough to bear the effects and side effects of surgery
• the transplant has a good rate of success
• the person is willing to comply and afford the recommended treatments required after the transplant

Kidney Transplant Surgery in India for African Patients

The availability of skilled professionals, cost effective treatment and the minimal administrative requirements are the major reasons for patients from all over Africa like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda etc opting for kidney transplant surgery in India. Top Indian hospitals provide world class transplant solutions by seasoned nephrologists and surgeons with success rates matching that of international standards. The cost of kidney transplant surgery in India is very low as compared to other western countries which makes it the best solution for high quality organ transplantation at the most affordable rates. In addition, less waiting time, availability of living donor transplants (in accordance with legal norms) and a wide range of support services -- medical visa assistance, interpreter services and post operative care -- make this a convenient and dependable destination for African patients travelling to India for life saving kidney transplant treatment.

How long do kidney transplants last?

There are a number of factors on which life of a transplanted kidney depends. These include whether the kidney came from a living donor or not, how well the kidney is matched in terms of blood group and tissue type, and the age and overall health of the person receiving the donation (an also the health of donor if the transplant is Living-donor kidney transplant).If you have a kidney transplant that fails, you can usually be put on the waiting list for another transplant and you may need dialysis in the meantime.

What are the Risks involved?

Kidney transplantation in India can treat advanced kidney disease and kidney failure, but it is not a cure or permanent treatment. Some forms of kidney disease may return after transplant, also there might be an infection in the kidneys. The health risks associated with kidney transplant include those associated directly with the surgery, rejection of the donor organ and side effects of taking medications needed to prevent your body from rejecting the donated kidney. Deciding whether a kidney transplant is right for the recipient is a personal decision that deserves careful thought and consideration of the serious risks and benefits associated with it. Talk through your decision and review with your friends, family, and other trusted advisors.

Complications of the procedure

• Blood clotting
• Bleeding
• Leaking from or blockage of the ureter (that links the kidney to the bladder)
• Infection
• Failure of the donated kidney
• Rejection of the donated kidney
• An infection or cancer that can be transmitted with the donated kidney from a donor to recipient
• Death, heart attack and stroke

During the procedure

• Kidney transplants are performed with general anesthesia, so the recipient is not aware of the happenings during the procedure. The surgical team monitors the recipient’s heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level throughout the procedure.

During the surgery:

• The surgeon makes an incision (a small opening) and places the new kidney from the donor in the recipient’s lower abdomen. Unless the recipient’s own kidneys are causing complications such as high blood pressure, stones in kidney, pain or infection, they are left in place.
• The blood vessels of the new kidney are attached to blood vessels in the lower part of the recipient’s abdomen, just above one of the recipient’s legs.
• The new kidney's ureter — the tube that links the bladder to the kidney— is connected to the recipient’s bladder. After the procedure

After your kidney transplant, the recipient can expect to:

• Spend several days (could be weeks or a month) in the hospital.
• Have frequent checkups as you continue recovering.
• Medications will be continued for the rest of your life.

Kidney Transplant in India for African Patients

• The cost of Kidney Transplant in India for African patients is $13,000.
• The recipient has to stay approximately 10 days in the hospital and 30 days outside the hospital. 
• Kidney donor and recipient should be relatives, as it is illegal in India to get a local donor.
• Medical tests to be done are blood tests, X-Ray, ECHO, ECG, Cardiac Stress Test, Compatibility Tests, Colonoscopy, Prostate Exam, and Cancer Screening.

Results

90% of the transplanted kidneys work well at the end of 1 year. About 4% of kidney transplants stop working each year after that. The new kidney is always at risk for rejection, so it is necessary to take all of your drugs as you are told by your doctor. A kidney from a living donor has a better chance of lasting than one from a non-living donor. The chance that kidney disease will come back in the transplant depends on the original cause of kidney failure and the donor.

Your kidneys filter waste products and surplus materials from your blood to create urine. The kidneys perform a number of essential tasks, including:

• Aids in the Filtration Process
• Controls Blood Pressure
• Aids in the production and development of red blood cells
• Maintains the body's pH balance

If you have end-stage renal disease, you might require a kidney transplant (ESRD)

Some conditions of the kidneys that may result in ESRD include:

• Repeated urinary infections
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys' filtering units)
• High blood pressure or diabetes-related kidney failure
• Polycystic kidney disease or other inherited disorders
• Lupus and other diseases of the immune system
• Obstructions

Types of Kidney Transfer in India

There are two different types of kidney transfer:

• Deceased donor: The individual who recently died away without affecting the organs. The majority of organ donors are persons who make the decision to give their organs after passing away. 
• Living donor: In this process, the kidney from a healthy donor will be removed by the doctors and surgically inserted into the kidney failure patient. Here, the living donor may be a member of the immediate family, an acquaintance, a partner, or any other adult over the age of 18.

Why African Patients choose India for Kidney Transplant Surgery?

Because of its high-quality and reasonably priced healthcare services, India has become a popular destination for medical tourism, drawing patients from Africa-Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda. It is important to know how much treatment would cost if you are thinking about getting a kidney transplant in India. In India, the price of a kidney transplant can differ according to the facility, the location, and the physician's charge.

The cost of a kidney transplant in India is a draw for people from Africa seeking lower medical costs. India provides African patients with the best and most expensive medical services available at a reasonable cost. With our assistance, you may research the top kidney transplant hospitals in India and choose wisely for your medical needs.

What is the Kidney Transplant Waitlist in India for African Patients?

The waiting time for kidney transplants in India for African patients, be they from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda or any other African country, is variable and not a universal waitlist. For living-donor transplants, there is generally no waitlist, as the operation goes ahead once the patient and their medically compatible relative (donor) are assessed and cleared, which can take a month or so. But for deceased-donor transplants, patients are added to official state or national waitlists, with allocation done via systems that prioritise those in urgent need, with good compatibility, and those who have waited the longest. In India, due to a critical shortage of transplant organs, waiting times vary widely from a few weeks up to 6 months or more, depending on waiting times and organ matching. 

How do I get on the transplant wait list in India?

African patients are eligible to be listed for a kidney transplant in India only after assessment and registration at a recognized transplant center in India within the national organ allocation scheme administered by National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization. It starts with securing a medical visa, going to India and undergoing detailed medical tests (blood group, tissue matching, general health check). In case there is no suitable living donor, the hospital apply for their inclusion in the deceased donor registry, which involves an approval process under India’s stringent transplant laws and verification of identity and medical need and oftentimes clearance from a transplant authorization committee.

What are the requirements to qualify for a kidney transplant?

To be considered for a transplant, you must meet certain criteria, which vary depending on the organ being transplanted.

The following are some of the factors that may make you a good candidate for a kidney transplant:

• If you're on dialysis because you have end-stage kidney disease.
• If you have stage IV or V chronic renal disease with a GFR less than 20 ml/min, you should see a doctor.
• If your GFR is less than 30 ml/min, you have stage IV chronic renal disease.
• If you have type 1 diabetes and chronic renal disease that hasn't responded to medical treatment.

Medical Visa Process for African Patients

Patients from Africa – Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda availing treatment in India would be required to apply for a Medical Visa (M visa) at the High Commission of India in their country.

Choose an Indian hospital option

• Opt for an accredited hospital.
• Send medical reports by email or through a medical tourism facilitator.

Obtain:

• Treatment plan
• Estimate of costs
• Invitation letter (visa letter)

Submit online

Complete the application for a visa at the official portal:

• Visas to India online Portal
• Choose “Medical Visa” under the purpose. 

Prepare the documents you need

You’ll generally require:

• Valid passport at least 6months prior to the date of your arrival to India.
• Photographs of the size of a passport
• A hospital invitation letter from India
• Recent medical reports.
• Proof of funds (bank accounts)
• Yellow fever vaccination.
• Printout of the visa application form.

Apply for application

Documents Submission at:

• The High Commission of India in your country
• Give your biometrics (fingerprints, photo)

Pay the visa fees

• The price depends on the duration and number of entries.

Processing your request

• Turnaround: 3 to 7 business days

Travel to India

• Once you are approved to travel, bring everything with you plus all of the documentation.
• Register at hospital and start treatment

Medical Attendant Visa

• 2 family members allowed to accompany Patient.
• They need to apply for the Medical Attendant Visa 

Validity of the Visa

• Typically, 60 days to 6 months in duration.
• In many cases it has multiple entries.
• If required it can be extended in India. 

Kidney Transplant Surgery Procedure in India

• A kidney transplant is a medical treatment carried out by specialists or surgeons with extraordinary training and experience in this area. 
• A number of tests are conducted prior to the transplant surgery to assess the degree to which the kidney of the donor fits the recipient's tissue type and blood type.
• The operation is a more involved process that could take three to four hours. Kidney transplantation is done under general anesthesia.
• During the surgery, a lower abdominal incision is made to allow the surgeon to access the diseased kidney. 
• The kidney from the donor is then transplanted. The external iliac artery and vein are stitched to the renal artery and vein of the kidney donor. 
• The recipient's bladder is now attached to the donor's ureter. 
• In order to prevent infection, the surgeon then used sutures to close all of the incisions and covered them with sterile dressings.

Latest Innovation in Kidney Replacement Therapy in India

Transplantation procedures have advanced remarkably in recent years. These developments have expanded the pool of potential donors, allowing recipients of a life-saving kidney transplant who have distinct tissue types (HLA incompatible) or incompatible blood types (ABO incompatible).

ABO Incompatible Kidney transplant: 

• Now patients are able to be given a kidney by a different blood type donor. It was impossible in the past because of the rejection response by the immune system. 
• This new treatment lowers the number of antibodies and eliminates rejection, which allows patients to identify a living donor, a family member or friend, who is not of their own blood type and potentially get a transplant that will save their lives. 

HLA Compatible Incompatible Kidney Transplant: 

• Previously, the only successful result of transplantation was a perfect fit between the donor and the recipient. 
• Although the kidney is not a perfect match, the patients still have an opportunity to get one due to contemporary treatment procedures. 
• Kidney transplants that are HLA incompatible need specialized care to minimize the possibility of rejection. 
• This has enabled recipients to get a kidney transplant done by a living donor, although they may not be a perfect match.

Post-Kidney Transplantation precautions in India

Without proper treatment, the kidney transplant surgery is extremely perilous and complicated. After successful transplant, it is recommended to follow the following tips:

• Spend at least a week in the hospital to get the required attention and rest under the care of well-learned medical staff.
• It is advised to take a blood test several times a week and to adjust medicine according to the physician.
• It is important to drink sufficient water.
• A healthy diet is vital to a faster recovery. Thus, be cautious of following dieting restrictions.
• Keep track of your blood sugar levels since anti-rejection drugs may elevate your blood sugar levels.
• Lastly, exercise is essential in faster and healthier recovery.

Kidney Transplant Success rate in India

The cause of the kidney failure, age of the patient, experience of the medical team, quality of the donated kidney and other factors all influence the success rate of kidney transplants. But, according to the statistics to be believed, India is having a very high kidney transplant success rate- approximately 95 percent. It has been reported that the rate of kidney transplant success is highest in India than any other part of the world. 

How is the number of successful surgeries of kidney transplants completed within a year?

As of 2023, 13642 kidney transplants were done in India, 11791 of them being donated by living donors, and 1851 by deceased donors.

Best hospitals for kidney transplant Surgery in India for African Patients

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket
• Apollo Hospital - Delhi

Best surgeons offering kidney transplant Surgery in India to African Patients

• Dr. Anil Mandhani
• Dr. Rajesh Ahlawat
• Dr. Varun Mittal
• Dr. Dinesh Khullar
• Dr. S N Mehta

Why African Patients choose GetWellGo for Kidney Transplant in India?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our patients from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda to choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24-hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for kidney transplant.
• Expert renal transplant surgeons with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food

How can I apply for, obtain, or schedule a kidney transplant in India?

We can assist you in finding the top kidney transplant hospital in India. Check us out at getwellgo.com, our official website.  To schedule an appointment for kidney transplant in India,contact us via phone at +91-9289678787 or email us at care@getwellgo.com

Case Study of our African Patients Treated for Kidney Transplant in India

Kidney Transplant Surgery for a Nigerian Patient at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram

• Patient Name: Mrs. Luko
• Age: 60 years old
• Gender: Female
• Country of Origin: Nigeria
• Doctor Name: Dr. Sandeep Harkar
• Hospital Name: Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Treatment: Kidney Transplant

The case is a 60-years old Nigerian woman – Mrs. Luko who was experiencing rapidly progressing kidney disease that dramatically alters her life. And when the situation grew worse, it was quite clear that the only option was a kidney transplant. She decided to go for another online platform known as GetWellGo to complete her treatment in India after consulting with her relatives and thorough research.

The international patient services department of GetWellGo came to pick her from the airport, identified a suitable accommodation for her, and well co-coordinated her ap

Kidney Transplant Surgery for a Kenyan Patient at BLK-Max Hospital, New Delhi

• Patient Name: Mr. Joseph Githara Kamau
• Age: 45 years old
• Gender: Male
• Country of Origin: Kenya
• Doctor Names: Dr. Ashwini Goel, Dr. H. S. Bhatyal, Dr. Ankur Arya
• Hospital Name: BLK - Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
• Treatment: Kidney Transplant

This is one of the real-life incidences of a patient Mr. Joseph Githara Kamau from Kenya who was affected by a serious case of complications of the kidneys. He had a kidney transplant in 2015 but his received kidney failed to perform optimally hence having to go for another transplant. Despite it all, he set out to seek for the best medical help that he required, and turned to the GetWellGo program as the best remedy. In India, the international patient services department of GetWellGo had arranged his airport transport, accommodation, medical appointments and all other requirements right from his need for a medical treatment. His sister kindly volunteered to be the donor and under the operation of the proficient Dr. Ashwini Goel, Dr. H.S. Bhatyal as well as Dr. Ankur Arya of BLK – Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mr. Kamau was fortunate to have a second kidney transplant. If there were any modifications of the sizes or other complications following the surgery he was observed for signs of such changes and treatment given accordingly. Because of the maxillofacial prosthesis, his general health status gradually stabilized over the next few weeks and the new kidney functions properly.

For his part, Mr. Kamau was happy to express his gratitude to the donors and said:

The kind of care I received at BLK – Max Super Speciality Hospital is above all the other hospitals that I have been admitted to in the past. All, starting from the doctors through the coordinators, made sure that I was relaxed at every stage. In this, I find these very words suitable since the personnel have shown so much care and concern to me. This is why, for the day, we join the family in rejoicing the regaining of Mr. Kamau by wishing him well in the future and good health.

FAQs

What is the Kidney transplant success rate?

• The outcomes for kidney transplants are quite good; greater than 90% of living donor kidneys are functioning at one year and approximately 80% of kidneys at five years. 

How is the flight from Nigeria?

The duration of the flight from Nigeria to India varies with the city of departure, the destination, and whether there are stops on the route or not. 

• Average Flight Duration
• From Lagos to New Delhi 
• Direct (rare): ~10–11 hours 
• Connecting flights: ~12–16 hours