Kidney Transplant Centre

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Kidney Transplant

The Safest, Most Optimal Option for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

1 in 10 adults worldwide have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a condition where the kidney slowly and progressively loses function over time. Once your chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage (end-stage renal disease), the kidney will no longer be able to function on their own. In such cases, a kidney transplant is often recommended to help patients to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.

Survival rates for end-stage renal
disease patients in 10 years

Living
Donation

90%

Recipients

Deceased
Donation

75%

Recipients

Dialysis

55%

Patients

kidney sunway

Survival rates for end-stage renal
disease patients in 10 years

Living
Donation

90%

Recipients

Deceased
Donation

75%

Recipients

Dialysis

55%

Patients

What exactly is a kidney transplant?

During this procedure, the diseased kidney in the patient is replaced with a healthy kidney from a donor. This kidney can come from either a deceased donor or a living donor.

Why should you explore living donor kidney transplant?

  • A kidney donated by a living person lasts longer.
  • Living donation by someone you know saves you from being on the waiting list for a deceased donor.
  • Kidneys transplanted from a living donor almost always work immediately.
  • Since living donation is elective, you have time to plan ahead for the surgery.
  • You know exactly what to expect from the kidney you receive, as the donor will need to pass strict assessments before giving their kidney to you.

Who can be a living donor?

  • A 1st or 2nd degree relative or,
  • A legal spouse or,
  • An unrelated person approved by the Unrelated Transplant Approval Committee (UTAC)

*Note : Anyone below 18 years old can be a living donor with their free and informed consent.

Also, the potential donor must:

sunway kidney

Be relatively healthy

sunway kidney

Have a compatible
blood type

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Have already passed the necessary tests and assessments

sunway kidney

Kidney Transplant Procedure: What to Expect

left-kidney

Before Surgery

To prepare for the transplant, your doctor will run tests to ensure that you are:

  • Physically and mentally ready
  • Able to tolerate anti-rejection medication
  • Able to undergo surgery
left-kidney

During Surgery

  • The surgery will take about 4 hours
  • Transplant will be conducted under general anaesthesia
  • Your new kidney will be placed in your lower abdomen (tummy)
  • Your new kidney will start working immediately
left-kidney

After Surgery

  • You will have follow-up appointments two to three times a week in the beginning, and then 2 to 4 times a year after you are stable. At this point, you can:
    • Return to normal activities
    • Return to studies
    • Go for holidays
    • Have children
  • Anti-rejection medication will be given to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.
  • Your old kidneys will not be removed from your body unless they cause infections, hypertension or urine reflux.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For the Living Kidney Donor

How often should I get my only kidney checked?

At least once a year.

Will I need to be on a special diet?

No, but you will need to watch your salt & protein intake.

Will I need dialysis?

No, you will have normal kidney function.

Will my lifespan be shortened?

No, you’ll have the same life expectancy as a normal person.

Will I need a transplant in the future?

No, a transplant will only be required when your kidney is no longer working.

Can I get pregnant?

Yes, but you might have a slightly higher risk of developing high blood pressure & having protein in the urine during pregnancy.

How much kidney function will I lose?

Your only kidney will have increased function of up to 70% of two working kidneys.

How do I keep my only kidney healthy?
  • Avoid contact sports
  • Avoid kidney-harming meds
  • Keep a healthy lifestyle
  • Reduce stress
What are the health risks I should watch out for?
  • High blood pressure
  • Fluid retention
  • Protein in urine
  • GFR efficiency (how quickly your kidney filters waste & fluid)

Why Should I Be a Living Kidney Donor?

You can help your loved one…
  • To stop relying on dialysis
  • Feel stronger & healthier
  • Return to normal life
  • Face lower risks of complications (compared to a kidney donation from a deceased donor)
You stand to enjoy benefits that include
  • No harm to life expectancy
  • Feelings of fulfilment & sense of wellbeing
  • Return to full, active life within months
  • Screening helps detect health problems early
Most people who donate
  • Have no issues living with one kidney
  • May lose » 25% kidney function
  • Are not much likelier to have kidney failure
No one can...
  • Pressure you into donating
  • Offer you incentives in return for donating
  • Stop you from withdrawing your decision at any time
  • Hide from you the risks & processes involved in this procedure

For More Comprehensive Information Regarding Kidney Transplants,
Browse Our Guides Below:

Kidney Transplant:
Donor Information

A Comprehensible Introduction to

Kidney Transplant:
Recipient Information

The Essential Guide to Post-Surgical Care

Kidney Transplant:
Recipient Information

Meet our Kidney Transplant Specialists

doctor sunway

Dr Murali Sundram

Kidney Transplantation,
Robotic Surgery, Uro-oncology,
Urology
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Dr Ng Eng Khim

Internal Medicine, Kidney
Transplantation,
Nephrology
doctor sunway

Dr Rosnawati Yahya

Kidney Transplantation, Nephrology
doctor sunway

Dr Thiruventhiran
Thilaganathan

Kidney Transplantation, Nephrology
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