The two major complications that can occur after transplant surgery are infection and rejection.
Infection:
Although very uncommon, an infection can occur in your surgical incision. It is very important that this site remains clean and dry. There will be a sterile dressing covering the incision most of the time while you are in the hospital. If you notice any redness, tenderness, or drainage at the incision site, you should notify your doctor or nurse.
Other infections include pneumonia, urinary tract infection, fungal and viral infection.
Rejection:
Rejection occurs when your body tries to get rid of the foreign object (transplanted kidney). In this case, the foreign object is your new kidney. There are three types of rejection- hyperacute, acute and chronic.
*Hyperacute rejection is very rare and occurs during the surgery or within the first few hours after the surgery. This rejection results in complete failure of the kidney. It can be avoided by careful matching the blood of the donor and the recipient.
*Acute rejection is the most common. You are at the greatest risk for developing this type of rejection in the first three months after surgery. It is important that you recognize signs of rejection and contact your transplant team as soon as possible. If detected early, this type of rejection can be treated successfully.
*Chronic rejection occurs gradually over a period of years and may be difficult to treat.
The following are possible signs of rejection:
•Fever greater than 100 degrees
•Sudden weight gain of three or more pounds overnight
•Decreased urine output
•Pain or tenderness over the kidney transplant site
The most important thing you can do to prevent rejection is to take your anti-rejection medications exactly as they are prescribed. You will need to take these medications for as long as you have your new
kidney. Missing anti-rejection medications will put you at risk for rejection.