Surgery
Whether the kidney comes from a living donor or from a person who has recently died, the transplant operation is the same. The surgery itself takes from 3 to 4 hours. The kidney is placed in lower abdomen on either the right or left side just above the hip bone. It is placed in this position because of the close position to the blood vessels and the bladder (See Figure 3.) The incision is usually about 6-8 inches long. Because the operation does not involve the abdominal cavity itself, the degree of pain is usually described as moderate.
After Surgery
After the operation, the recipient is taken to the recovery room until recovered from the anesthesia. When the recipient is awake, he is moved to the Transplant Unit. The specially trained transplant nurses carefully monitor the urine output of the new kidney, blood pressure, and other observations which are important in taking care of a person with a newly transplanted kidney.
During the operation, the recipient will have a catheter placed into the bladder. The urine that drains into the catheter may be bloody at first because of the incision made into the bladder to attach the ureter. The catheter usually remains in place for 4-7 days. Some people experience bladder spasms after the transplant. If these happen to occur, medication can be given to relieve the discomfort.
An intravenous (IV) line will be in on the side of your neck to give medication, fluid, and to draw blood. There is usually a clear liquid diet at first and is advanced to a regular diet as it can be tolerated. You may eat when you feel ready. You will also be asked to turn frequently in bed, to cough and to breathe deeply every two hours and to exercise your legs in bed. This is to lessen any chance of lung complications from the surgery. You will be asked to move about in bed and to get out of bed and walk as soon as possible in order to maintain good circulation.
The recipient is usually in the hospital for 7 - 10 days unless any complications arise. Because there is little entertainment in the hospital, you may wish to have your family bring a hobby or craft for your enjoyment.
Your family is welcome to visit with you in the hospital. They will be told where they should wait while you are in the operating room and recovery room. When you are moved to the Transplant Unit, they will be able to be with you. Because of the immunosuppressive medications you are taking, your visitors might be limited in number and should not visit you if they are ill. Hospital policy does not allow children under 12 years old on the hospital units.
