The kidney is a vital organ in the human body that filters the blood and removes waste substances produced by the body. In Nigeria, kidney transplant treatment has become a more common surgical procedure due to its having a advanced medical technology and increasing cases of chronic kidney disease. In this blog, we will explore the costs of kidney transplant in Nigeria and the concerning factors that affect this cost.
The person’s health and the kind of procedure performed greatly influences the cost factor. The cost of a kidney transplant in Nigeria differs across various medical establishments. Kidney transplant surgery is priced at ₦25 million to ₦30 million ($15,000 – $20,000).
Every year, kidney failure affects several Nigerians. And these numerous individuals depend on dialysis for survival. Regardless, a kidney transplant provides lasting survival for the patient. And brings a rejuvenating quality of life and minimizes the need for hospital visits.
What is a Kidney Transplant?
A kidney transplant is a major surgical procedure where the surgeon replaces a damaged kidney with a functioning one. This medical procedure is a solution to those patients with renal failure or other chronic kidney problems. When anyone’s kidneys lose their filtering function, harmful levels of fluid and waste accumulate in the body, which can raise blood pressure and result in kidney failure, then the doctors recommend a transplant as the perfect solution.
Cost of Kidney Transplant in Nigeria
The average cost for this organ transplant in Nigeria is ₦ 25 million to ₦ 30 million or USD 15,000 to 20,0000. It may vary from hospital to hospital. Hospital type, surgeon’s experience, and after-surgery care can all add to the different costs.
- The total evaluation costs for different tests add up to ₦ 3,500,000 or USD 2300. Besides this, there may be further laboratory costs linked to both the donor and recipient.
- The cost of immunosuppressant drugs with a year’s supply of tacrolimus is priced at ₦ 1,386,000 or USD 986.
- Other medications, that include mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone, will add up to ₦ 2,311,200 or USD 1500 over a specific period for all immunosuppressant medicines.
Hemodialysis is the foremost treatment for people with severe kidney failure and requires multiple sessions each week.
A nephrologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LSUTH), who wished to remain unnamed, disclosed to Nairametrics (a prominent Nigerian online newsprint) the price for a kidney transplant. In this geographic place ,it is approximately ₦15 million. It includes the surgery, preoperative medications, and different blood tests conducted during the patient’s stay.
Factors Associated with the Cost
The type of hospital, be it government or private, various diagnostic tests, surgeon’s fees, cost of stay in the hospital, immunosuppressant costs, and after-surgery costs are some of the important costs associated with the procedure.
- Hospital reputation: The facilities offered on behalf of the establishment where the transplant occurs greatly influence the expenses involved. Popular and established hospitals equipped with top-notch facilities and expert transplant teams of doctors frequently cost more.
- Surgeon’s expertise: A surgeon with superior skills and extensive experience in organ transplantation might demand higher rates. Their specialists guarantee a high success rate, and a reduced likelihood of issues occurring during and post-surgery.
- Donor type: The total cost of the kidney mainly depends on the donor, whether it is from a living person or someone who has died. Transplants that are acquired from living donors typically incur lower costs. Whereas, the expense of the deceased donor is substantial.
- Pre-transplant assessment: Pre-transplant assessment is a medical procedure which conducted for both the patient and the donor before the surgery. This assessment includes tests of patients’ health, kidney function, and overall health condition that might affect the transplant. The cost of these tests is included in the treatment with the doctor consultants, lab tests, and other medical exams.
- Post-operative care and medications: After-surgery includes hospital admissions, follow-up visits, and medications. These are an essential aspect of kidney transplantation, and these can impact the cost highly.
- Patient’s age: People beyond the age of 60, may need extra medical attention before and after the procedure. It is due to greater risk of complications with advance in age that can raise the total cost of the treatment.
Some Reputed Hospitals for Kidney Transplant in Nigeria
Some best hospitals for kidney transplant in Nigeria are listed below:
- Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Gudu, Abuja: This center is well-known for its kidney transplant unit and is famous for its best treatment in Nigeria.
- Urology Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna: This hospital has the best urology unit that can provide the best medical services. Their urology team manages the kidney diseases and potential kidney transplants in effectively.
- Genesis Specialist Hospital, Nigeria: Genesis Specialist Hospital is a famous hospital which known for its best treatment and surgery, and they provide many medical treatments, including care for kidney problems.
Key Legal Requirements for Kidney Transplant
Certain requirements have to be fulfilled by the donor as well as the recipient.
Donor Willingness
- It has to be voluntary, discussed, and a written document that is signed with an affidavit at the high court in Nigeria.
- Living donors must undergo a psychological assessment that makes sure there is no coercion involved.
- Government-issued ID & proof of relationship (if applicable).
- A clearance from the court for unrelated donors.
Recipient Consent
- The recipient needs to have a medical reason for needing a transplant. It will indicate the recipient is experiencing End Stage Kidney Disease or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
- Reports from medical professionals or health professionals confirm kidney failure in its final stage.
- Blood test results and cross-matching findings.
Risks Associated with Kidney Transplant
Although this organ transplant is safe, certain complications cannot be ignored and these include:
- Blood clot,
- Leakage or blockage of urine in the ureter,
- Rejection of a donated kidney,
- Adverse effects of drugs to stop transplant rejection.
Conclusion
Kidney transplantation is a boon to kidney patients but a costly procedure. Besides, it offers a crucial solution for individuals having renal failure. The cost of this organ transplant in Nigeria varies and is based on the hospital, procedure type, and additional factors. By familiarizing the different elemental cost factors of kidney transplant procedure and consulting a healthcare expert, patients can make wise choices regarding their health.