Name of the Procedure:

Renal Allotransplantation, Implantation of Graft with Recipient Nephrectomy

Summary

Renal allotransplantation with recipient nephrectomy is a surgical procedure in which a patient receives a kidney from a donor and their existing dysfunctional or diseased kidney is removed. Essentially, it involves the transplantation of a healthy kidney and the removal of the recipient's own kidney during the same operation.

Purpose

This procedure addresses chronic kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where the kidneys can no longer function adequately. The goal is to restore kidney function by providing a healthy donor kidney, improving the patient's quality of life, and potentially prolonging their lifespan.

Indications

• End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
• Chronic kidney failure not manageable with other treatments
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Severe irreversible kidney damage
• Patients who are on dialysis
• Suitable candidates based on overall health, compatibility with the donor, and absence of contraindications

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for at least 8 hours before surgery.
• Medication adjustments, particularly with blood thinners, may be required.
• Pre-operative evaluations including blood tests, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound or CT scan), and cardiac assessments.
• Cross-matching and tissue typing to ensure compatibility with the donor kidney.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is unconscious and pain-free.
2. Incision: An incision is made in the lower abdomen.
3. Nephrectomy: The diseased kidney is carefully detached from blood vessels and the ureter before being removed.
4. Transplantation: The donor kidney is then implanted into the patient. Surgeons connect the donor kidney's blood vessels to the recipient’s blood vessels and attach the ureter to the bladder.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples and covered with a sterile dressing.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 3-5 hours to complete.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital setting, specifically in an operating room equipped for complex surgical procedures.

Personnel

• Transplant Surgeons
• Anesthesiologists
• Operating Room Nurses
• Surgical Technicians
• Post-operative Care Team

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Rejection of the donor kidney
• Injury to surrounding organs or structures
• Anesthesia-related risks
• Long-term complications such as hypertension or diabetes

Benefits

• Restoration of normal kidney function
• Elimination of the need for dialysis
• Improved quality of life and increased lifespan
• More stable internal environment for electrolytes and waste removal

Recovery

• Patients will be monitored in the hospital for several days to a week.
• Post-operative care involves pain management, antibiotics, and anti-rejection medications.
• Patients typically need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for about 6 weeks.
• Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor kidney function and overall health.

Alternatives

• Continued dialysis: While it can manage symptoms, it does not restore kidney function and often reduces the quality of life.
• Conservative management: Focuses on controlling symptoms without dialysis or transplant but may not be suitable for advanced kidney failure.
• Participation in clinical trials exploring new treatments.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia and does not feel any pain. Post-operatively, patients may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site, which is managed with prescribed pain medications. Patients will need to follow a recovery plan that includes medication adherence, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical checks to ensure the success of the transplant and overall health.