7 Recommendations That Improve Quality of Life After Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is considered one of the most effective treatment methods that significantly improves quality of life and lifespan for patients with end-stage renal failure. However, after a successful kidney transplant operation, there are important points that patients must pay attention to throughout their lives. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit ÖZÇELİK, General Surgery Specialist from Yeditepe University Hospitals Organ Transplantation Center, said, "Regular medication use, protection from infections, healthy nutrition, and not neglecting check-ups are of great importance for the transplanted kidney to function healthily for many years."

Kidney transplantation prolongs lifespan

Noting that the transplanted kidney carries a lifelong risk of rejection, but that this risk can be significantly reduced through regular check-ups and adherence to treatment, Assoc. Prof. Dr. ÖZÇELİK drew attention to the fact that the lifespan of kidney transplant patients is approximately three times longer than that of dialysis patients. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit ÖZÇELİK explained the points to be considered regarding kidney transplantation.

1) Medications must be used regularly
Stating that after kidney transplantation, patients must fully comply with doctor's recommendations to protect their new kidneys, General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit ÖZÇELİK said, "After kidney transplantation, immunosuppressive medications are used to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organ. The dosage and timing of these medications must absolutely be followed." Saying that the dosage of some medications can be adjusted according to blood drug levels, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit ÖZÇELİK stated that on check-up days, patients must come to the hospital on an empty stomach and without having taken their medications, and said, "Painkillers and antibiotics can only be used with a physician's recommendation."

2) Regular check-ups are of vital importance
Stating that patients who have undergone kidney transplantation must be followed up for life, Assoc. Prof. Dr. ÖZÇELİK said that the first post-operative check-up is performed on the second day after discharge. Adding that check-ups are performed more frequently in the first weeks, ÖZÇELİK stated that check-up intervals are extended over time, but regular follow-up should never be abandoned. He also added that the Double J stent, which is placed between the kidney and the bladder during surgery when necessary, is generally removed after three weeks.

3) Be careful against infections in the first 6 months
Noting that the risk of infection increases after transplantation due to suppression of the immune system, Assoc. Prof. Dr. ÖZÇELİK drew attention to the fact that especially the first six months are critical: "During this period, wearing a mask, staying away from crowded environments, paying attention to hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with sick people are necessary," said ÖZÇELİK, adding that contact with soil, close contact with animals, and heavily dusty environments can also increase the risk of infection. He also recommended not using public toilets, Turkish baths, pools, and saunas for at least one year.

4) Adherence to nutritional rules contributes to protecting the kidney
Noting that weight gain, blood pressure, and blood sugar problems may arise after transplantation depending on the medications used, Assoc. Prof. Dr. ÖZÇELİK said that therefore, low-fat, low-salt, and balanced nutrition is important. Emphasizing that raw vegetables and fruits should be washed well and meat products should be cooked well, ÖZÇELİK stated that grapefruit and pomegranate should not be consumed because they can interact with some medications. He also stated that consuming at least 2.5 liters of fluid daily is important for kidney health.

5) Return to daily life should be gradual
Stating that the majority of patients can return to their normal lives after kidney transplantation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. ÖZÇELİK said that this should be done in a controlled manner. Recommending not lifting heavy loads for the first three months, ÖZÇELİK stated that heavy sports and exercises should be avoided for the first year. He also stated that it is appropriate not to drive a vehicle for the first month after surgery.

6) Sexual life and pregnancy are possible
Saying that after a successful recovery process, patients can return to their sexual lives after approximately six weeks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. ÖZÇELİK stated that it is important to complete necessary treatments in case of sexually transmitted infections in the patients' partners.
He emphasized that patients planning pregnancy should wait at least one year after kidney transplantation and that the process must absolutely be carried out under physician supervision.

7) Donors must also be followed up regularly
Stating that living donors must also come for regular check-ups after surgery, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit ÖZÇELİK drew attention to the importance of adequate daily fluid consumption. Expressing that the lifespans of donors are the same as the population average and that no significant increase in chronic kidney disease risks is expected, ÖZÇELİK said that maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is of great importance for both the donor and the recipient.