New Delhi: Diabetes and high blood pressure are the major cause behind the rise in kidney diseases. According to reports, the incidence rate of non-communicable diseases is rising at an alarming rate in India. When a patient reaches the last stage of kidney failure, they have a hope of transplanting a new kidney. A kidney transplant is a surgical method that replaces a sick or failing kidney with a healthy one from a matched donor. But what are the critical points to keep in mind while you are choosing a donor?
Dr Manas Ranjan Pradhan, Sr Consultant Urologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar shared with News9“Kidney donation is a life-saving act that can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from kidney failure. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding who can donate a kidney, particularly regarding the donor’s age and potential health risks.”
Who Is the Ideal Donor?
“Traditionally, the ideal kidney donor is someone between the ages of 18 and 60, who has perfectly functioning kidneys and no other major health issues. These criteria ensure that the donor is in optimal health, minimizing any potential risks associated with the donation. However, the reality is that the number of people who meet these strict criteria is relatively low, both in India and around the world,” said Dr Pradhan.
Expanded Donor Criteria: More Flexibility in Donor Selection
To address the shortage of ideal donors, the medical community has introduced the concept of expanded donor criteria. This means that even if a person does not meet the strictest standards, they may still be eligible to donate a kidney. According to Dr Pradhan, “One of the most common misconceptions is that there is an upper age limit for kidney donation. In fact, there is no upper limit for donating a kidney. Medical professionals have successfully transplanted kidneys from donors as old as 85 to 90 years. The key consideration is that the donor’s kidneys are functioning well, and they do not have any serious underlying health conditions.”
Health Conditions and Kidney Donation
Another area of concern for potential donors is the impact of existing health conditions on their eligibility to donate. While certain diseases may disqualify someone from donating a kidney, the criteria are not as rigid as some might think. For instance, individuals with early-stage diabetes can still donate, provided their blood sugar levels are well controlled. Similarly, those with hypertension (high blood pressure) may also be eligible, as long as their condition is managed with medication and their other organs remain unaffected.
It is important to note that the evaluation process for potential donors is extremely thorough. Donors undergo rigorous medical assessments to ensure they are healthy enough to donate and that their remaining kidneys will function well after the procedure. The primary goal is to protect the donor’s health, as they are making a significant sacrifice to help another person.
Life After Donation: Minimal Lifestyle Changes
One common fear among potential kidney donors is the need for significant lifestyle changes after the donation. However, this is largely a misconception. Donors do not require any special precautions or drastic lifestyle modifications after donating a kidney. They can continue to live a normal life, eat regular foods, and engage in everyday activities. Regular medical checkups are recommended, but donors are generally as healthy as any other person following the procedure.
Legal and Ethical Safeguards
In India, kidney donation is regulated by the Human Organ Transplantation Act (HOTA). This law is designed to prevent illegal organ trafficking and ensure that the donation process is ethical. According to HOTA, first-degree relatives such as parents, siblings, or spouses are preferred as donors, as there is less likelihood of coercion. However, the law also allows for donations from unrelated donors, provided strict legal and medical criteria are met.
The Donation Process
The kidney donation process itself is typically performed using laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that involves smaller incisions and faster recovery times. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the kidney that is functioning less effectively, leaving the donor with a better-performing kidney. This approach ensures that the donor retains the kidney that will best support their health in the long term.
Kidney donation is a noble act that saves lives. Understanding the expanded criteria for donors and the minimal risks involved can help clear up common misconceptions, encouraging more people to consider becoming donors. With proper medical evaluation and care, donors can live healthy, fulfilling lives after their generous contribution.
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