Overcoming Renal Challenges: The Promise of Kidney Transplants in India

When your kidneys fail, you’ll need therapy to compensate for the work of your own kidneys, which can no longer be accomplished. Dialysis or transplant are the two major options for treating kidney failure. 

A kidney transplant can provide greater independence and a higher quality of life than dialysis for many people whose kidneys have failed. Talking to others who have had a kidney transplant may help you decide on the best therapy for you. 

As per the National Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, the success rate of a kidney transplant with a living donor kidney was 97% after one year and 86% after five years. 

The global need for kidney transplants is increasing, and India has developed as a popular destination for this crucial treatment. The cost aspect is one of the main reasons patients choose India for kidney transplants. 

Compared to other nations, the kidney transplant cost in India is much lower, making it an appealing alternative for individuals from all walks of life. This covers not only the surgery costs but also the costs of pre-operative examinations, post-operative drugs, and follow-up care. 

Kidney transplant cost in India for Indian Patients is between Rs.577200 to Rs.769600. The cost for International patients is between USD 11700 to USD 14300

Why is India Preferred for Kidney Transplants?

India is preferred for kidney transplants because of the following reasons:

• Experienced Medical Experts: India has a large number of nephrologists and transplant surgeons who are extremely skilled and experienced. These medical experts have received extensive training in executing effective kidney transplant procedures as well as administering post-operative care. Many have acquired education and training from top international institutions, ensuring patients receive the best treatment.

• Cutting-Edge Technology and Infrastructure: Indian hospitals have cutting-edge technology and facilities to enable kidney transplant procedures. Famous hospitals have transplant units with modern operating rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), and specialist transplantation wards. The availability of advanced diagnostic instruments and medical equipment provides precise pre- and post-operative evaluations, resulting in better results.
• Treatment at a Low Cost: One of the main reasons patients choose India for kidney transplants is the low cost. Kidney transplant cost in India is much lower when compared to other nations, making it an appealing choice for people from all walks of life. This covers not just the surgery costs but also the costs for pre-operative examinations, post-operative drugs, and follow-up care.
• High Success Rates: Kidney transplant success rates in India are close to worldwide averages. The country’s talented medical experts and improved surgical procedures, and comprehensive post-operative care contribute to positive outcomes. Patients get extensive care following transplantation, including immunosuppressive drugs, monthly check-ups, and essential lifestyle changes to maintain long-term organ function and increased quality of life.

Who Should Undergo Kidney Transplant?

If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney failure or are in Stage 3 or Stage 4 CKD and thinking about a kidney transplant, it is better to speak to your doctor about whether or not kidney transplant surgery is good for you. 

If you are otherwise healthy and your doctor believes that you satisfy the conditions, a kidney transplant may be a possibility for you. Experts believe a kidney transplant is the best renal failure therapy when possible.

What Happens During Kidney Transplant Surgery?

The procedure to implant a donor’s kidney takes around four hours. The donor’s kidney is put in your lower abdomen, where it is most easily connected to your vital blood arteries and bladder. 

You might be shocked to find that when you undergo a kidney transplant, your own kidneys are usually not removed. Unless there is a medical cause to remove them, the surgeon leaves them alone. 

You will be in pain after surgery, but you should be out of bed in a day or two and home from the hospital within a week. If a living person donates the kidney, it should begin working immediately. A dead donor’s kidney may take two to four weeks to begin functioning.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Kidney Transplantation in India?

Kidney transplant cost in India is affected by the following factors:

• Admission fee: The reputation, expertise, and experience of the hospital and the transplant surgeon can significantly impact the cost. Renowned hospitals with a track record of successful transplant surgeries and highly skilled surgeons may charge higher fees for their services.

• Type of Transplant: The type of kidney transplant can affect the cost. Living donor transplants, where a kidney is donated by a family member or a willing donor, may be less expensive compared to deceased donor transplants. The costs associated with organ procurement, testing, and preservation can vary.

• Surgical Procedure and Hospital Stay: The surgical procedure itself, including transplantation surgery, anesthesia, and post-operative care, contributes to the overall cost. The duration of hospital stay, which can vary depending on the patient’s condition and recovery, will also impact the cost.
• Additional Services and Facilities: Some hospitals may provide additional services and facilities, such as private rooms, dedicated transplant units, specialized nursing care, and personalized support for international patients. These added services may increase the overall cost of the procedure.

What are Some of the Best Hospitals in India for Kidney Transplant?

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi is a well-established medical facility with a specific transplant program. The hospital boasts a staff of competent transplant surgeons and modern kidney transplantation facilities.

Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute, New Delhi: It is India’s best gastrointestinal hospital. The earliest and most significant hospital in South Asia and India for surgical treatment of digestive disorders. Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Urology, Gastro-Surgery, Kidney Transplant, and illnesses affecting the Liver, Kidney, Gallbladder, Pancreas, and Gastrointestinal Tract system are all areas of expertise.

Saifee Hospital, Mumbai:  Saifee Hospital is one of Asia’s leading hospital providers and is well-known for its organ transplantation operations. Its cutting-edge facilities and talented medical experts make them a popular choice for kidney transplants.

Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru: Manipal Hospitals is a renowned healthcare institution with a specialized department for kidney transplantation. They have a multidisciplinary team of experts who provide personalized care to patients throughout the transplant journey.

India has emerged as a renowned destination for kidney transplants due to its superior medical skill, cutting-edge facilities, low kidney transplant cost in India, plentiful donor availability, and high success rates. The country’s dedication to providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions and comprehensive post-operative care makes it a dependable option for patients seeking a new lease on life.