Two significant disadvantages of kidney transplants are the risks associated with major surgery and the need for lifelong immunosuppressant medication.
Disadvantages of Kidney Transplants in Detail:
Kidney transplants, while often life-saving, come with potential drawbacks. These include:
- Surgical Risks: A kidney transplant is a major surgical procedure. This means there are inherent risks such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Potential complications involving the new kidney itself (e.g., delayed function, urine leaks).
- Immunosuppression Requirements: To prevent the recipient's body from rejecting the new kidney, lifelong immunosuppressant medications are necessary. These medications suppress the immune system, leading to:
- Increased risk of infections (common bacterial, viral, and fungal infections).
- Increased risk of certain cancers.
- Side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- The necessity for strict adherence to the medication schedule to avoid rejection.
- Further Surgery: As stated in the given context, you may need further surgery to fix any problems.
These disadvantages require careful consideration and continuous monitoring post-transplant to ensure the best possible outcome for the recipient.
