In The Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
As kidney transplantation is a major surgery, it would not be possible for the patient to move around during the next 24 or 48 hours. Several tubes would be placed around the recipient’s body to enable recovery following the surgery. This ensures that the functioning of the body can go on without any compromise.
A tube is placed through the mouth into the windpipe to enable breathing. This is most commonly attached to a machine called the respirator that will help in contraction and relaxation of the lungs. To aid in bowel function, a tube called the nasogastric tube would be placed through the nose into the stomach. In addition, a urinary catheter to drain the urine from the bladder would also be placed. This can be removed a few days after surgery. Furthermore, synthetic tubes would be placed around the abdomen to drain the blood and other fluids from in and around the kidney. This can be removed after 1 week.
It is normal to spend the first few days in the Intensive care after the transplant operation. A limited number of visitors will be allowed to see you.
