Kindney Transplantation

Kidney Transplant Surgery

Partnered with leading hospitals, we facilitate life-changing kidney transplant procedures. Our network of experienced surgeons and medical professionals is committed to delivering world-class care, offering hope to those in need of kidney transplants.  We are here to offer renewed hope and a brighter future for those seeking kidney transplantation through our hospital partner

A kidney transplant is an operation for patients with kidney failure. Healthy kidneys have many functions, including filtering waste products and toxins, secreting erythropoietin to prompt the production of red blood cells, and releasing renin to help control blood pressure. When the kidneys are not working well, it affects vital body functions and causes problems to the heart, lungs, and bones. Advanced loss of kidney function is known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease. People suffering from kidney failure need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. Dialysis can be a lifesaving option, but the machine cannot replace all functions of a healthy organ. Studies show that successful kidney transplantation provides better quality of life and life expectancy compared to dialysis. In the long run, it is also more cost-effective than dialysis.

During a kidney transplant surgery and procedure, the recipient receives a healthy organ from a deceased or living kidney donor. The new kidney is placed in the abdomen and connected to the blood vessels and the bladder. Damaged kidneys are usually not removed unless they cause problems. A kidney transplant is a major surgery procedure and success rates depend on many factors, including the experience of the transplant center and its team.

Living kidney transplant donation

All over the world, despite all efforts, there is a shortage of organs from deceased donors. However, people can live healthy lives with just one healthy kidney. Therefore, a living donor kidney transplant are an alternative to long waiting lists for some patients. Healthy people willing to help a loved one can opt for a live kidney donation. In the best case, the donor for kidney transplant and recipient have the same tissue type and compatible blood types. However, today there are effective solutions for successful living donor kidney transplants even if the donor is not compatible. Sometimes one recipient–donor couple may be paired with another couple, and the donated kidneys can be exchanged. This is called paired donation or crossover transplant. Paired donation ensures that each recipient receives a matching kidney.

After the kidney transplant surgery, patients have to spend a few days in the hospital to recover. They are closely monitored for any complications, such as bleeding or infection. Most patients can walk the day after the transplant surgery. At our Kidney Transplant Center, the donor usually stays in the hospital for two days. The recipient is discharged after seven days. Transplanted patients can go back to their normal life within a few weeks. They will have to take medicines called immunosuppressants for the rest of their lives to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ. Regular follow-up examinations are needed in the first months after surgery to ensure that the kidney works well and the immunosuppressive drugs are properly adjusted.

Life after kidney transplantation is similar to life before kidney failure. After a successful renal transplant, the recipient does not need dialysis, has no significant food restrictions, and feels in good overall condition. Still, these patients have to follow some rules to keep the transplanted organ healthy. Active living, healthy habits, and a diet low in salt and fat are recommended for a lifetime. Immunosuppressive medications should be taken every day as prescribed. The most common reason for organ rejection is an irregular intake of anti-rejection drugs. Kidney transplant rejection symptoms are often mild; therefore, regular tests and checkups are a must. In most cases, experienced physicians can handle organ rejection. 

In 2020, a woman living in France celebrated 50 years of active life after a kidney transplant. A man who received a transplant in 1971 is believed to be one of the longest surviving kidney transplant patients in the UK. Another man who received a transplant in June 1977 is thought to be the longest surviving patient in Asia. These are all transplants performed many years ago. Nowadays, surgical techniques and immunosuppressive drugs are much more sophisticated, and kidney recipients can expect even better outcomes.

Kidney transplant in Turkey

Turkey is a global leader in renal transplantation, with more than 3,500 kidney transplants performed per year. Since cadaver organ donation is not sufficient globally, 80% of kidney transplants in Turkey are done with living donors. Transplant programs and success rates are well regulated and strictly monitored by the Ministry of Health. The transplant centers are regularly assessed, and their success rate should be more than 85%. Many patients from all over the world prefer Turkey for kidney transplantation due to the extensive experience, affordable cost, and high success rates of transplant centers.