A kidney transplant can give a new life to patients with end-stage kidney disease. At Caritas Hospital, Kottayam, our expert team led by Dr. K. P. Jayakumar, Senior Consultant – Nephrology, provides safe and advanced transplant care.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to understand kidney transplantation.

What is a Kidney Transplant?

A healthy kidney from a donor is placed into a patient whose kidneys are no longer working properly.

When Do You Need a Transplant?

• When kidney function drops below 10–15%
• When long-term dialysis becomes necessary

Is Transplant Better Than Dialysis?

Yes. It offers:

• Longer life
• Better health
• More freedom than dialysis

How Long Does a Donated Kidney Last?

• Living donor: 15–20 years
• Deceased donor: 10–15 years

Can Anyone Donate a Kidney?

Yes, if they are:

• 18–65 years
• Healthy
• A relative or approved non-related donor
• OR a deceased (brain-dead) donor

Blood group matching is important.

Do Donors Have Problems Later?

Very rare. Donors return to normal life within a few weeks.

Where Is the New Kidney Placed?

In the lower abdomen; old kidneys are usually not removed.

When Does the New Kidney Start Working?

Immediately for most patients.

Some may take 1–2 weeks.

Hospital Stay

• Recipient: 7–10 days
• Donor: 4–5 days

Medicines After Transplant

Patients must take immunosuppressant medicines lifelong.

Only the nephrologist should adjust doses.

Lifestyle After Transplant

• Reduce salt
• Eat clean and home-cooked food
• Drink enough water
• Avoid smoking & alcohol
• Start walking after 3 weeks

Vaccines: Only non-live vaccines are allowed.

How to Become a Donor?

Register with Mrithasanjeevani (KNOS) and keep a donor card.

Family consent is required for deceased donation.

Why Caritas Hospital?

• Experienced experts like Dr. K. P. Jayakumar
• Advanced Kidney Transplant Unit
• 24x7 dialysis & intensive care
• High success rates

For trusted kidney transplant care, Caritas Hospital is one of the leading centres in Kerala.