Individuals undergoing kidney transplant may suffer from multiple short-term and long-term complications. Therefore, it is essential to seek proper guidance regarding the procedure from the best nephrologist in Karachi. The specialist will guide the patient regarding the aftercare that can minimize the chances of infection. Additionally, it will help the patient understand the risks and lifestyle changes that would allow them to enhance their quality of life and function adequately. The complications of kidney transplant include:
- Side-Effects of Immunosuppressants: The patient is required to immunosuppressants for the procedure. However, they can contribute to future complications. The prolonged use of the medication can cause kidney and lung damage and cancer. Common side-effects of the medication include; puffiness around the face, acne, irrational change in the bodyweight, bone disease, stomach acidity, and hirsutism.
- Rejection: The immune system can detect the foreign organ and react against it. Therefore, the patient has to take immunosuppressants to avoid rejection. The common symptoms of rejection include soreness, swelling, fever, and reduction in urine production, leading to further complications.
- Uretic Stenosis: It is a long-term complication; in which the ureters narrow down. It causes a reduction in the urine flow, and the patient may experience unbearable pressure and pain in the abdominal region.
- Infection: The patient can suffer from the symptoms of infection, after the surgical procedure. The bacteria and microorganisms can get into the bloodstream causing fever, chills, and swelling. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant after the surgery to avoid complications.
- Formation of Kidney Stones: The risk of kidney stones increases. The patient may have received the kidney with the stones from the donor. After the surgery, the patient suffers from hematuria due to kidney stones.
- Cancer: The use of immunosuppressants can lead to kidney and lung cancer as a complication of a kidney transplant. Additionally, women are at a higher risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma and cervical cancer due to prolonged use of immunosuppressants after the surgery.
- Heart-Related Diseases: Individuals undergone kidney transplants are at a higher risk of suffering from heart disease. They experience symptoms of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It eventually hinders the functioning of vital organs and may cause permanent damage.
- Hematuria: After the surgery, the patient can notice blood in the urine. It is a common complication of a kidney transplant. It may indicate that the patient has an infection. The treatment can help the patient recover without any further complications.
- Urinary Fistulae: It is a short-term complication that the patient may suffer from right after the surgery. The infection in the urinary tract and canal can cause swelling. However, antibiotics help the patient get better by fighting the infection.
- Incisional Hernia: Obese and diabetic patients undergoing a kidney transplant are at a higher risk of rejection and incisional hernia. The abdominal muscles weaken after the surgery, and the patient may suffer from an incisional hernia as a short-term complication.
- Abscess: The formation of abscesses within the abdominal wall is an early complication that old and diabetic patients may suffer from after kidney transplantation. Medication can help the patient recover in a short span without further complications.
It is essential for the patient opting for a kidney transplant to have awareness regarding the procedure, aftercare, and complications. Therefore, they must visit the best nephrologist in Islamabad for proper guidance. The guidance will help the patient become mentally prepared for the transplant surgery.
