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

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:

Be relatively healthy

Have a compatible
blood type

Have already passed the necessary tests and assessments

Kidney Transplant Procedure: What to Expect

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

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

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

Sunway Medical Centre offers advance diagnostic and treatment facilities for chronic kidney disease patients which include imaging equipment, comprehensive laboratory support, and dialysis services.

We provide wide-range of services encompassing preventive care, diagnostic facilities, medical management, access creation as well as kidney transplant services. Given the complexity of patients with kidney disease, this centre of excellence collaborates with other medical subspecialties such as cardiology, endocrine, urology, surgical, dietetic care, ophthalmology and wound care to provide holistic care for our adult as well as paediatric patients.

Services offered