Will a kidney transplant cure polycystic kidney disease?
A kidney transplant will replace much of your lost kidney function, but it won’t cure your ADPKD. If your original kidneys aren’t removed before your transplant, they might continue to grow, which can cause pain, bleeding and infections. They can later be removed if needed in an operation called a nephrectomy.
Can PKD affect transplanted kidney?
PKD cysts can profoundly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to kidney failure. When PKD causes kidneys to fail-which usually happens after many years-the patient requires dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Do PKD kidneys shrink after transplant?
Polycystic kidneys volume significantly reduces after kidney transplantation, and this would reduce the need for prophylactic bilateral nephrectomy in asymptomatic patients.
Does polycystic kidney disease recur after transplant?
The risk of recurrence of ADPKD post-transplantation does not exist. Nevertheless other complications may occur. Thus, an increased incidence of colonic perforation has been reported.
How long can you live with polycystic kidney disease?
Most patients do not begin to develop problems until their 30s, and if the condition is well-managed can live a near-normal lifespan. Patients who receive kidney transplants can also increase their life expectancy.
How big can PKD kidneys get?
People with PKD can have thousands of cysts in their kidneys at once. A kidney that is filled with cysts can weigh up to 30 pounds.
Does a kidney transplant shorten your life?
Living donation does not change life expectancy, and does not appear to increase the risk of kidney failure. In general, most people with a single normal kidney have few or no problems; however, you should always talk to your transplant team about the risks involved in donation.
Are polycystic kidneys removed?
This requires major surgery. If your kidneys are causing pain and other treatments aren’t working, you might be recommended to have one or both kidneys removed. This is called nephrectomy. Surgery can be used to treat painful cysts or reduce kidney size.
