All about Kidney Transplant Procedure in India:
- Kidney Transplantation: Eligibility, Types of Donors, Matching Process.
- The Process
- Pre-Transplant Evaluation
- The Transplant Procedure
- Post-Transplant Care
- Risks and Complications
- Support for Donors
- Types of Doctors Involved in Kidney Transplants
- Cost of Kidney Transplant in India
- Top Kidney Transplant Surgeons in India
- Top Hospitals in India for Kidney Transplant Procedure
- Why you should Choose India for Kidney Transplant
Understanding Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is a life-saving procedure for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney failure. It involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor.
1. Eligibility for Kidney Transplant
Not all patients with kidney failure are suitable candidates for a transplant. Factors such as overall health, the presence of other medical conditions, and age play a crucial role. Thus, the health profile of the patient (recepient) needs to be evaluated fully by the experts to consider his or her fitness for a transplant.
2. Types of Donors
- Living Donors: Can be family members, friends, or altruistic donors.
However, most countries have now placed restrictions on altruistic donors possibly to curb the menace of organ trafficking.
Hence, as of date, in India, organs can only be donated by first degree family members, spouses (near relative), and in some cases, by second-degree family members, if there is not suitable donor among first degree members.
To know more, read: First Degree, Second Degree & Near Relative in Organ Transplant - Deceased Donors: Organs from individuals who have passed away but have consented to donate their organs.
These are maintained by national organ registry and priority is given to a country’s own citizens. It is extremely difficult to get an organ from the national donor registry considering that there are very high number of applicants and very limited donor organs available.
3. Matching Process
Successful transplants require compatibility between the donor and recipient. This includes blood type matching and tissue typing.
*Formerly, kidney transplants were possible only with matching donors. However, these days, even ABO incompatible (non-matching blood group) transplants are also done in India and few other advanced countries.
- Medical Assessment: Comprehensive health checks to ensure the patient can withstand surgery and post-transplant care.
- Psychosocial Evaluation: Assessing mental and emotional readiness for the transplant process.
To know more on pre-transplant investigations, read: Pre- Kidney Transplant Investigations
3. The Transplant Procedure
- Surgery: The diseased kidney is left in place unless it causes complications. The new kidney is placed in the lower abdomen.
- Recovery: Hospital stay typically ranges from a few days to a week, followed by several weeks of close monitoring.
To know more, Read: Kidney Transplant Procedure
4. Post-Transplant Care
- Medications: Lifelong immunosuppressants are necessary to prevent rejection of the new kidney.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor kidney function and overall health.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Diet and exercise play vital roles in maintaining kidney health and overall well-being.
5. Risks and Complications
- Rejection: The body may recognize the new kidney as foreign and attack it. To avoid that, immunosuppresants are given lifelong.
- Infections: Immunosuppressants increase the risk of infections.
- Other Complications: Risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other side effects related to long-term medication use.
6. Support for Donors
- Evaluation: Thorough medical and psychological evaluations ensure the donor’s safety.
- Surgery and Recovery: The donor’s kidney is removed laparoscopically, resulting in a shorter recovery time.
- Post-Donation Care: Follow-up appointments to monitor the donor’s health.
The Kidney Transplant Specialists
A successful kidney transplant requires a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals:
- Nephrologist: Specializes in kidney care and oversees the patient’s treatment before and after the transplant.
- Transplant Surgeon: Performs the transplant surgery and manages the patient’s surgical care. The Transplant surgeon is generally a senior urologist with special training in kidney translantation.
- Anesthesiologist: Manages anesthesia during the surgery.
- Transplant Coordinator: Organizes the transplant process, including matching donors and recipients.
- Immunologist: Monitors the immune response and manages immunosuppressive therapy.
- Psychologist/Psychiatrist: Provides mental health support to patients and donors throughout the process.
- Dietitian: Helps manage dietary needs before and after the transplant.
Cost of Kidney Transplant in India
India has become a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly for kidney transplants, due to its advanced medical facilities and significantly lower costs compared to Western countries.
1. Tentative Cost:
- The cost of a kidney transplant in India ranges from $13,000 to $16,000 for compatible transplants. This includes pre-transplant evaluation, surgery, hospital stay, medications, and follow-up care.
2. Comparison to Western Countries:
- In the United States, the cost can exceed $300,000, while in the UK, it can range from $80,000 to $100,000.
- The lower cost in India is attributed to lower operational and labor costs, but it does not compromise the quality of care.
- Indian hospitals offering kidney transplants are often accredited by international organizations such as Joint Commission International (JCI) and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
- Many Indian surgeons and healthcare professionals are trained and experienced internationally.
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Kindly note:
Kidney Transplant in India is possible ‘only if you have a willing donor from the patient’s family’.
- It is impossible to get a cadaver donor from India’s national donor registry for international patients due to extremely long waiting list, and sever shortage even for Indian patients.
- Purchase and Sale of of kidney and organs is strictly banned in India. As an organization,we do not support anything that is illegal
- Kidney Transplant with donors from outside family (friends, acquaintances etc) is also not allowed.
- Please do not contact us to sell / donate kidneys, no matter what your intent is. We do not support it!
Top 10 Kidney Transplant Surgeons in India
- Transplant Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 33 years’ experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sandeep Guleria is a highly respected Transplant Surgeon based in South East Delhi, with an extensive career spanning over 33 years. As an acclaimed surgeon specializing in Gastrointestinal Surgery and Kidney Transplants, he has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to medicine.
- Specializing in the treatment of conditions like cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, liver disease, and hepatitis B, Dr. Guleria is renowned for his expertise in transplant surgery.
- He is known to perform complex procedures including kidney transplants and liver transplants, employing advanced techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients.
- Dr. Sandeep Guleria is also renowned for being the key member of the team that conducted the first two Kidney Pancreas Transplants in India.
- Currently, he is a top-notch Kidney Transplant Specialist working at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
- Urologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 35 years’ experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Anant Kumar is a distinguished figure in the field of Urology and Kidney Transplantation, boasting an impressive 35 years of experience. Currently serving as Chairman of Uro-Oncology, Robotic & Kidney Transplantation at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, New Delhi, and Max Hospital Vaishali, he is celebrated as one of India’s top robotic and laparoscopic surgeons.
- Renowned for his expertise, Dr. Anant Kumar is widely recognized as the best urologist in Delhi and NCR. His specialties encompass Kidney Transplantation, Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Urology, Urological Oncology, Laser Urological Surgery, and Reconstructive Urology.
- His reputation as a leader in urology is solidified by his extensive experience, having performed over 3,500 kidney transplants and more than 500 robotic surgeries in recent years.
- Uro - Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 22 years’ experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- With an overall work experience of more than 22 years, Dr. Amit Goel is undoubtedly among the finest Uro-Oncologist in India who has been practicing at Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi as the Director and Unit Head of Renal Transplant and Urology.
- He has extensive experience treating over 3500 cases of urological cancers and performing more than 400 kidney transplants, including both ABO-compatible and incompatible cases.
- Dr. Goel received his training in General Urology, Laparoscopic procedures, Endoscopic Surgeries, Renal Transplants, and Emergencies in Urology during his MCh residency.
- Urologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon, Gurugram, India
- Over 40 years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rajesh Ahlawat is one of India’s top kidney transplant surgeons, who has worked in leading Institutions in North India and has established successful Minimally Invasive Urology programs including Robotic Surgery and Kidney Transplant services with excellent outcomes comparable to the best in the world.
- Throughout his career, Dr. Ahlawat has initiated and established four successful Urology and Renal Transplant programs in India
- Urologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 25 years’ experience
- Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sanjay Gogoi brings over 25 years of extensive experience in Comprehensive Urology Practice, specializing notably in renal transplantation.
- He is distinguished for his expertise in advanced transplant techniques including Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted procedures.
- Dr. Gogoi received specialized training in Robotic surgery at the da Vinci Training Center, Intuitive Surgical, California.
- With a track record spanning over six years in performing Robotic Cancer surgeries on various organs such as the Kidney, Bladder, Prostate, and Adrenal, he is renowned for his proficiency in Robotic reconstructive procedures for kidneys, ureters, and bladder, catering to both adult and pediatric patients.
- Urologist, Chennai, India
- Over 15 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Deepak Raghavan is a renowned urologist who has gained immense fame and praise in the few years of his career.
- He is specially trained in Robotic Surgery, the need of the hour for Urology patients.
- Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Chennai, India
- Over 50 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Joseph Thachill is one of the best kidney transplant surgeons in India.
- He has a record of having performed the Largest number of Transplants in the country.
- Due to his achievements, Dr. Joseph Thachill has also been awarded the Golden Richard’s Fellowship of Canada.
- He is also a member of the Canadian Urological Association as well as the American Urological Association.
Top 10 Kidney Translant Hospitals in India
Here are the most reputed hospitals in India for Kidney Transplant Procedure:
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of India’s best and largest multi-specialty hospitals, Medanta was built with the aim to bring India to the highest standards of medical care. The hospital has been providing the best medical services to its patients, since its inception, with care, commitment, and compassion.
- Equipped with 1250 beds, the hospital was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan in the year 2009 with an aim to provide the best medical care at affordable costs. The hospital is spread across 43 acres and includes 45 operation theatres and 350 beds dedicated solely to ICU. The hospital includes over 800 doctors, and more than 22 specialty departments and has a dedicated floor for individual specialty in order to offer the best services under one roof.
- The hospital is considered one of the premier institutes in India for Cardiac Care and includes staffs and members of high caliber. The hospital has 6 distinct centers of excellence.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the most well-known hospitals in the Delhi NCR, Artemis Hospital is the first hospital in Gurugram to get accredited by the Joint Commission International.
- With more than 40 specialties, the hospital has been designed to be one of the most technically advanced hospitals in the country, with the best medical and surgical health care. The hospital has eleven special and dedicated centers, for Heart, Cancer, Neurosciences, etc.
- The latest technologies in the hospital include Endovascular Hybrid Operating Suite and Flat panel Cath Labs for the cardiovascular department, 3 Tesla MRI, 16 slice PET CT, 64 Slice Cardiac CT Scan, HDR Brachy Treatment, and highly advanced Image Guided Radiation Treatment techniques (LINAC) are installed in the hospital.
- The hospital has won several awards as well, since its inception.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute is a multi-super-specialty, quaternary care hospital with 1000 beds. The hospital comprises reputed clinicians, and international faculty and is also equipped with cutting-edge technology. The hospital is a part of Fortis Healthcare Limited, a reputed chain of private hospitals in India.
- It is a NABH-accredited hospital that is spread across 11 acres of land and has a capacity of 1000 beds. The hospital has 55 specialties and is one of the premier health care centers in the Asia Pacific region popularly known as “the Mecca of Healthcare”.
- The hospital has 260 diagnostic centers and is also equipped with the latest and advanced techniques that include 3 Telsa which is the world’s first Digital MRI technology. The hospital also has world-class Radiation Treatment techniques which have been developed by leading technology experts from Elekta and Brain Lab.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is a 700-bedded multispecialty hospital in the heart of the capital of India. It is a part of Apollo Hospital group, one of India’s most reputed healthcare chains. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has been accredited by Joint Commission International, making it the first internationally accredited hospital in the country in 2005.
- There are 52 specialties in the hospital with one of the best cardiology centers in the country. The hospital is also equipped with State of the art infrastructure facilities with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia and the largest number of ICU bed facilities in India.
- The latest and highly advanced technologies that are installed in the hospital include Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, PET-MR, PET-CT, Cobalt-based HDR, Brain Lab Navigation System, Tilting MRI, Portable CT scanner, 3 Tesla MRI, 128 Slice CT scanner, DSA Lab, Endosonography, Hyperbaric Chamber and Fibro scan.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the well-regarded providers in India committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care, Max Super Specialty Hospital is a part of Max Healthcare, which is the second-largest healthcare chain in India. Regarded as one of the most well-regarded healthcare providers in the country, Max Super Specialty Hospital is committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence as well as patient care. The hospital is also equipped with the latest technology as well as cutting-edge research. The hospital is known to deliver and ensure the highest level of patient care.
- The hospital has more than 500 beds and offers treatment for over 35 specialties. The hospital also holds the credit of having installed the first Brain Suite in Asia. This is a highly advanced Neurosurgical machine that allows MRI to be taken while surgery is ongoing.
- Other advanced and latest technologies are also installed in the hospital such as the 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, 64 Slice CT Angiography, 4D ECHO, LINAC, and 3.5T MRI machine.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Located in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Apollo Health City is a world-renowned medical facility that provides outstanding care and treatment to patients coming from different parts of the world.
- Founded in 1988, this 550-bed multispecialty hospital with 50 specialties and 12 Centres of Excellence continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients with the simplest to the most complicated medical conditions.
- Backed by the latest medical equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the hospital provides comprehensive treatment across various specialties including, cardiology, critical care, neurosciences, cancer, orthopedics, gynecology, ENT, transplants, gastroenterology, etc.
- Apollo Health City is a cutting-edge healthcare facility that combines various facilities under one roof. These may include state-of-the-art physical medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness services with education, research, telemedicine, innovative medical devices, disease management programmes, and medical talents.
- The hospital is known for offering top-notch cancer treatment accompanied by cutting-edge facilities and technology.
- The hospital also offers a broad spectrum of cosmetic procedures that improve not just appearance but also comfort.
- In 2011, Apollo Health City was the recipient of the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA).
- In 2013, the Government of India recognized Apollo Health City as the top medical tourism destination in the country.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Named after the wife of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, this is one of the top hospitals in Mumbai. This 750-bed multi-specialty hospital became operational in 2009. Known as one of India’s most advanced tertiary care facilities, the hospital is designed to raise India’s global standing as a healthcare hub, with an emphasis on excellence in clinical services.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital uses Protocol and Care Pathway based treatment models to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- The hospital represents a confluence of top-notch talent, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and, most importantly commitment.
- The hospital also holds the accreditation of the NABH, NABL, CAP, and JCI.
- The hospital has been recognized as the No. 1 Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai and the West Zone for the fifth year in a row in 2020 by The Week.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is one of the best hospitals for heart care in India. Over the years, Apollo has expanded all over India, as a healthcare chain.
- India’s first ‘Only Pancreas’ transplant was performed in Apollo Hospital. The hospital is known for successfully performing Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant, and over the years, it has attained a remarkable achievement in the global healthcare space. Around 3-4 organ transplants are performed in the hospital per day.
- Equipped with over 500 beds, this hospital in Chennai was established in 1983 and since then has been among the most preferred hospital for patients from all over the world.
- The hospital holds accreditation of the NABH and JCI and is the first hospital in India to be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. It is also the first South Indian Hospital to receive subsequent reaccreditation from the JCI USA 4 times.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1999, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai, is one of the top healthcare facilities in Southern India. It is part of the Gleneagles Hospital Chain, which is the fourth largest healthcare chain in the country. The hospital specializes in multi-organ transplants of kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, etc.
- The hospital has an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art lab and equipment set-up. The hospital boasts cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, and trained support staff. Located in Perumbakam, Chennai, it is one of India’s premier health care destinations. The hospital has performed some of the most complex surgical and clinical procedures in India including multi-organ transplantations.
- The hospital’s lung transplantation program is one of the best in the country. The hospital is known for having performed India’s first single lung transplant and first minimal invasive lung transplant. It is also the only Indian hospital to be associated with King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom for liver transplantations.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- KIMS Hospital (a brand name of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of the largest and best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital provides various treatments to an enormous number of patients.
- The hospital has a capacity of more than 3000 beds. KIMS Hospitals offers different healthcare services in more than 25 specialities and super specialities.
- The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology. It has robotic equipment to provide minimal invasive techniques for patients.
- The hospital is aimed at providing world-class healthcare facilities and services at an affordable cost for patients.
- The various specialities and departments of the hospital include neurosciences, gastroenterology & hepatology, robotic science, reproductive sciences, dental science, oncological sciences, organ transplantation, heart and lung transplantation and mother and child care.
- City: Kolkata, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2003, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals is a 750-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital situated in Kolkata.
- With 33 Centres of Excellence and more than 50 specialties, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is capable of handling all sorts of patients.
- This tertiary care hospital, which is a 100% subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., India, is regarded as one of Kolkata’s top hospitals.
- The facility is a complete blend of cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and genuine hospitality.
- Focusing on numerous specialties, the hospital provides all-inclusive medical treatments supported by cutting-edge technology and a staff of highly qualified medical specialists.
- Patients across the globe come to Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals Kolkata for their treatment. Moreover, international patients receive full attention and assistance for their treatment and are provided with a hassle free experience.
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is the only hospital in Eastern India to hold the Joint Commission International (JCI) certificate.
- It is also the only hospital in Kolkata to hold the NABL accreditation in six different categories, which includes Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Hematology & Immunohematology, Microbiology & Serology, and Histopathology & Cytopathology.
- Furthermore, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is known for performing the first ever Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis Replacement in East India.
- City: Bengaluru, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1991, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is the flagship facility of the Manipal Hospitals Group, which is one of the largest networks of Multispecialty Private Hospitals in India.
- The facility is well-known for its state-of-the-art technology, performance-driven, patient-centric, and evidence-based approach.
- The facilities offered at Manipal Hospital meet the highest international standards, allowing the hospital to attract a large number of national and international patients.
- Their expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases in several specializations that address both simple as well as complex medical procedures.
- There are total 600 beds accessible in the hospital for the in-patients so they may heal while being closely watched after by the medical team. In addition, it has 144 critical care units, including NICUs, ICCUs, and ICUs. Apart from that, the hospital also offers 20 contemporary, modular state-of-the-art operating rooms with all the amenities needed.
- The hospital has several departments that are overseen by highly skilled, certified, and experienced medical experts.
- One of the best departments in the hospital is that of the Cancer department which is known for its advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities such as Intracavitary Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, HIPEC, PIPEC, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, etc.
- It is one of the few hospitals in Bangalore that provides full range of pediatric services, including pediatric emergency services, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopaedics, pediatric allergies, pediatric immunology, and infectious diseases.
- Furthermore, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore is also regarded as one of the best hospitals for bone and spine related disorders.