Kidney transplant in safe and experianced hands

Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, houses the Karnataka Nephrology and Transplant Institute (KANTI) -a premier institution in India for renal disorders and dialysis. It has a team of highly qualified doctors who have performed over 1700 renal transplants with success rates comparable to the best in the world. It attracts patients from across India and abroad.

WHAT IS RENAL TRANSPLANT?
Renal or kidney transplant involves placing a healthy kidney from a donor to take over the function of the two failed/dysfunctional kidneys. "The surgeon places the new kidney inside your lower abdomen and connects the artery and vein of the new kidney to your artery and vein. Your blood flows through the donated kidney, which makes urine, just like your own kidneys did when they were healthy," says Dr Sankaran Sundar, Chief Nephrologist, KANTI, Columbia Asia, Yeswanthpur. "The new kidney may start working rightaway or may take up to a few weeks to make urine. Unless your own kidneys are causing infection or high blood pressure, they are left in place and are not removed."

WHO CAN DONATE A KIDNEY?
Any healthy person between age 20 and 65 can donate. "The blood group should be compatible (0 group can donate to any patient and AB can accept from any
donor). Rh has no role," says Dr Ajit K Huilgol, Chief Transplant Surgeon, KANTI, Columbia Asia, Yeswanthpur. As per the Indian laws governing trans-
plantation, all donors have to appear before a government-appointed Authori- sation Committee to get a clearance to donate a kidney. A patient can also get a kidney from a 'brain-dead, heart-beating' cadaver. This procedure is known as cadaver transplant. "You may register for a cadaver transplant, if you have no related donor," says Dr Huilgol. "But remember, a cadaver kidney may take several years to procure." Organ sales are banned in India.

WHAT ARE THE PRE- TRANSPLANT PROCEDURES?
After checking for blood group compatibility, a lymphocyte cross match test is done. A negative test result is required. This signifies that the antibodies in the patient's blood will not attack the donor's kidney. Prior to transplant, a complete check-up is done on the donor to ensure that he/ she is perfectly healthy at the time of donation, and that he/she will continue to be healthy after donation.



WHAT ARE THE POST- TRANSPLANT PRECAUTIONS?
Following the surgery, the patient is taken to a specialised, isolated post- transplant unit where one-to-one nursing is provided to minimise the risk of cross-infection. The patient is closely monitored to ensure that the new organ is accepted by the body and optimum immunosuppressant medication is administered. "The advent of immuno- suppressants like Cyclosporine and Ta- crolimus have helped to push the success rates up and minimise chances of rejection of the donor kidney," says Dr Huilgol. Most patients are discharged on the fifth day. They are advised to follow hygienic habits strictly to prevent any infection risk. Most patients can get back to work between 4-12 weeks. They can resume sex life in about 2 to 3 months post transplant. Patients have to
visit for follow-up check ups and be on medication for life.

WHAT MAKES THE RENAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
IN COLUMBIA ASIA REFERRAL HOSPITAL SPECIAL:

• The team has performed over 1700 renal transplants-including multiple artery transplants and double ureter transplants- more than any other centre in India.
• It boasts 92% one year survival rate and 80% five year survival rate-comparable to some of the best centres in the world.
• It was the first in India to use the latest international formulation of Cyclosporine- NEORAL-the prime life-saving drug after transplants.
• The centre has the distinction of having the world's oldest donor (85 years) and a 75 year old recipient who's still leading a healthy life. ,
• It conducted the State's first double kidney cadaver transplant. The expertise of the team has been used to set up transplant centres in Jalandhar, Punjab and Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• It has been invited to help set up transplant and dialysis centres in Lagos, Myanmar and Fiji.

WHAT MAKES THE RENAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT IN COLAMBIA ASIA REFERRAL HOSPITAL SUCCESSFUL

The vast experience of the team: The excellence is born over 30 years’ hands-on experience. “Even a notice may conduct a transplant, but experience especially matters in complicated case,” says Dr. Sundar.
The infrastructure of this centre: The team is supported by excellent diagnostic facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and expertise of para medical staff.
Smooth management: “The efficient legal support team and experienced transplant coordinators ensure as hassle-free a transplant as possible,” says Dr. Sundar.

Contact details:
Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru
Phone 080 39898969 website : www.columbiaasia.com