Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant in Kochi

A deceased donor kidney transplant involves transplantation of a kidney donated following the death of an eligible organ donor. For suitable patients with end-stage kidney disease who do not have an appropriate living donor, deceased donor transplantation can provide an important pathway to kidney transplantation.

The Kidney Transplant Programme at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Kochi provides comprehensive assessment, transplant surgery, intensive care and long-term follow-up for eligible patients undergoing deceased donor kidney transplantation.

Who May Need a Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant?

Patients with irreversible kidney failure who are considered medically suitable for transplantation may be evaluated for deceased donor kidney transplantation.

The transplant evaluation generally considers:

• Severity and cause of kidney failure
• Overall health and medical fitness
• Cardiovascular health
• Existing infections
• Blood group
• Tissue and immunological compatibility
• Previous transfusions or transplants
• Associated medical conditions
• Ability to undergo transplant surgery and long-term immunosuppressive treatment

Following the appropriate evaluation and regulatory processes, eligible patients may be considered for organ allocation according to applicable transplantation guidelines and organ-allocation systems.

Preparing for Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation

Because the timing of a deceased donor organ becoming available cannot be planned in the same way as living donation, patients awaiting transplantation require regular follow-up to ensure that they remain medically prepared. When a potentially suitable donor kidney becomes available, compatibility and clinical suitability are assessed before transplantation proceeds.

The Transplant Procedure

During kidney transplantation, the donor kidney is usually implanted into the recipient's lower abdomen. The renal blood vessels are connected to the recipient's blood vessels, while the donor ureter is connected to the urinary system. The transplant is performed by a specialised surgical and anaesthesia team with post-operative care provided in a dedicated transplant critical care environment.

Post-Transplant Monitoring

Following deceased donor kidney transplantation, kidney function is monitored closely. Some transplanted kidneys begin functioning rapidly, while others may take longer to establish adequate function. Temporary dialysis may occasionally be required during this period. Patients receive immunosuppressive medications and undergo regular blood tests and clinical assessments to monitor kidney function and identify rejection, infection or other complications.

Apollo Adlux Hospital provides multidisciplinary transplant care supported by dedicated Twin Transplant Theatres, Transplant Intensive Care Unit, advanced diagnostics, infectious disease management, rehabilitation and long-term transplant follow-up.