Cross Kidney Transplant

What is a Cross Kidney Transplant and How is it Performed?

Kidney crossover transplantation is a method developed for patients who cannot undergo a direct kidney transplant due to blood type or tissue incompatibility. In this process, compatible matches are made between two or more kidney donors and recipients, so that each recipient can receive a kidney that is suitable for them. Kidney crossover transplantation overcomes these incompatibilities, allowing more patients to have a successful kidney transplant. Transplant operations are usually performed simultaneously, and each recipient receives the most suitable kidney for them.

What is a Crossover Kidney Transplant?

Kidney crossover transplantation is a transplant method performed in cases where the donor and recipient have blood group or tissue incompatibility. In this procedure, compatible matches are made between two or more kidney donors and recipients so that each recipient can receive a suitable kidney. Kidney crossover transplantation is an important method to overcome tissue and blood group incompatibility in living donor kidney transplants.

How is a Cross Kidney Transplant Performed?

The crossover kidney transplantation process begins with the participation of two or more couples. Blood group and tissue compatibility analyses are performed and suitable matches are determined. After compatible donors and recipients are matched, transplant operations are performed on the same day and usually simultaneously. In this way, each recipient receives the most suitable kidney for him/her.

Who is Eligible for Kidney Transplantation?

Kidney crossover transplantation is suitable for patients with kidney failure who have a living donor but cannot undergo transplantation due to blood type or tissue incompatibility. In addition, this method overcomes incompatibility problems and allows more patients to receive kidney transplantation.

Are There Any Advantages of Crossover Kidney Transplantation Over Traditional Transplantation?

Yes, kidney transplantation has many advantages over traditional transplantation. This method allows more patients to have a transplant by overcoming incompatibility issues. In addition, the waiting period is usually shorter and the postoperative success rate is higher in living donor transplants.

Is Everyone With Blood Type Incompatibility Eligible for Kidney Crossover Transplantation?

Most patients who undergo kidney transplantation are those who have a blood type incompatibility with the relative from whom they want to receive a kidney.

For example, if a recipient with a high antibody level and blood type A cannot receive a kidney from a relative with blood type O, this recipient and donor are registered in the system as a pair. In the cross list, they are matched with another pair consisting of a recipient with blood type O and a donor with blood type A who are compatible with their tissues. Individuals with blood type O who have the lowest chance of matching can have a cross transplant with the other pair thanks to the cross transplant list, and both recipients can have a chance of receiving a healthy kidney transplant.
In addition, donors who want to donate a kidney to a relative but have problems with compatibility tests can remove their relative from the cadaver waiting list by donating to a different suitable patient on the crossover transplant list. In this way, two patients can receive a transplant without waiting.

Is There an Age Limit for Kidney Transplantation?

There is no definite age limit for crossover kidney transplantation. However, the general health status and age of both donors and recipients are evaluated. Generally, donors are preferred to be between the ages of 18-65.

How to Apply for Kidney Crossover Transplant Program?

People who want to be on the crossover transplant list can apply to the crossover transplant program by expressing their wishes. After various medical tests are applied to patients and donors who meet the appropriate conditions, the data obtained from these is processed into the system. If a different recipient and donor pair is found that is compatible with each other according to these data and different criteria such as age, gender, and health status, the individuals are contacted and the process is started. The next process is carried out in the form of a classic organ transplant. If you are waiting in line for a kidney transplant or if you have a living donor but do not meet the eligibility requirements for transplantation, you can be included in the list for crossover transplantation.

How is Cross Kidney Transplant Surgery Performed?

Kidney transplant surgery is similar to conventional kidney transplant surgery. First, the donor kidney is removed by laparoscopic or open surgery. Then, the new kidney is transplanted to the recipient during the same operation. In a kidney transplant, all surgeries are usually performed simultaneously.

How Long Does Crossover Kidney Transplant Surgery Take?

A kidney transplant surgery, including the donor and recipient operations, can take 4-8 hours in total. Surgery times may vary depending on the surgeon's experience and the patient's health condition.

What is the Hospital Stay After Cross Kidney Transplant Surgery?

The hospital stay after kidney transplant surgery is usually 5 to 10 days. During this time, patients are checked regularly to monitor the function of the new kidney and their general health.

Is Cross Kidney Transplant Surgery Painful?

As with any surgical procedure, some pain and discomfort may be experienced after kidney transplant surgery. However, with modern pain management techniques, this pain can be controlled and patients usually experience relief in a short time.

What is the Recovery Process Like After Cross Kidney Transplant Surgery?

The recovery process after kidney transplant surgery can vary from person to person. Generally, patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks after surgery. Full recovery can take several months.