The spelling of the word "kidney transplant" is straightforward. It is spelled as it sounds: /ˈkɪdni trænsˌplænt/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a long "e" sound in the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound and a stressed "t" sound. The word refers to the surgical procedure where a healthy kidney is implanted into a patient with kidney disease, replacing their nonfunctional kidneys.
Kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a diseased or non-functioning kidney with a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor. This procedure is typically performed on individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure.
The kidneys are crucial organs responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, producing urine, regulating electrolyte balance, and maintaining overall body homeostasis. When the kidneys lose their ability to function properly due to various factors like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, a kidney transplant may be necessary to restore normal kidney function and improve the patient's quality of life.
Before a kidney transplant, a thorough evaluation is conducted to ensure the compatibility between the recipient and the donor. This assessment involves blood tests, tissue typing, crossmatching, and other medical examinations. The donated kidney can come from a deceased donor (cadaveric transplant) or a living donor, typically a family member or someone willing to donate their kidney altruistically.
During the transplant surgery, the damaged kidney is removed and replaced with the healthy donated kidney. Often, the surgeon places the new kidney in the lower abdomen and attaches the arteries and veins to the recipient's blood vessels. The ureter, which carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder, is also connected to the recipient's bladder.
Following a kidney transplant, the recipient requires lifelong immunosuppressant medication to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney. With a successful transplant, the patient is expected to experience improved kidney function, elimination of dialysis, and an enhanced overall quality of life. However, regular medical follow-ups and adherence to the prescribed medication regimen are vital to ensure the long-term success of the kidney transplant.
The term "kidney transplant" is derived from the combination of the words "kidney" and "transplant".
The word "kidney" originated from the Old English word "cwiðanēage", which meant "kidney" or "liver". It further evolved from the Middle English word "kidenei", preserving the same meaning. The noun "kidney" refers to one of the two bean-shaped organs in the human body responsible for filtering waste materials from the blood.
The word "transplant" has Latin origins, derived from the combination of "trans" meaning "across" or "beyond", and "plantare" meaning "to plant" or "to establish". The term was initially used in botany, referring to the transfer of a plant from one place to another.