ABO Incompatible Kidney Transplant Cost In India
Explore the cost of ABO incompatible kidney transplant in India and understand what factors influence pricing. Learn how this life-saving procedure offers hope to patients with unmatched blood types.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 5th Jul, 2025
Introduction
If you or a loved one is considering an ABO-incompatible kidney transplant, you may have concerns about the procedure, its success, and the cost involved. This article will guide you through everything you need to know in simple terms—what ABO incompatibility means, how the transplant works, and the expenses you can expect in India.
What is an ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplant?
Normally, a kidney transplant requires a donor and recipient to have compatible blood types. However, in an ABO-incompatible transplant, the donor and recipient have different blood types, which would typically make the transplant impossible due to the risk of rejection.
Thanks to medical advancements, doctors can now perform desensitisation therapy before the transplant. This treatment reduces antibodies in the recipient’s blood that would otherwise attack the donor kidney.
Who Needs an ABO-Incompatible Transplant?
Patients who have a willing living donor (like a family member) but do not match blood types.
Those who cannot wait for a compatible donor due to worsening kidney disease.
Symptoms That May Lead to a Kidney Transplant
Before considering a transplant, patients usually suffer from end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which causes:
Severe fatigue
Swelling in legs and hands
Difficulty breathing
High blood pressure
Loss of appetite and nausea
If dialysis is no longer effective or sustainable, a transplant becomes necessary.
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
How Does an ABO-Incompatible Transplant Work?
Ways the ABO-incompatible transplant works are:
1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation: Both donor and recipient undergo tests to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
2. Desensitisation Therapy: The recipient receives medications (like rituximab and plasmapheresis) to lower antibody levels.
3. Surgery: The donor’s kidney is transplanted into the recipient.
4. Post-Transplant Care: Immunosuppressant drugs are given to prevent rejection.
Factors Affecting Cost
Factors affecting the cost are:
Hospital reputation: Top-tier hospitals may charge more.
City: Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) are costlier than smaller cities.
Complications: Additional treatments can increase expenses.
Insurance coverage: Some policies cover part of the cost.
Is ABO-Incompatible Transplant Safe?
Yes, with proper desensitisation, success rates are almost as good as ABO-compatible transplants. However, patients must follow strict medication schedules to prevent rejection.
Tips for Managing Post-Transplant Health
Tips for managing post-transplant health are:
1. Take medications on time: Missing immunosuppressants can lead to rejection.
2. Follow a kidney-friendly diet: Limit salt, potassium, and processed foods.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink enough water but avoid overhydration.
4. Regular check-ups: Monitor kidney function and blood pressure.
5. Avoid infections: Stay away from crowded places initially.
Conclusion
An ABO-incompatible kidney transplant is a life-saving option when a matching donor isn’t available. While the cost can be high, many hospitals offer financial assistance. Early planning and expert care can make the process smoother. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a kidney specialist for personalised guidance.
Consult Top Kidney Doctor
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
Dr. Hareesha Babu K
Nephrologist
25 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology),FASN, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP (Edin)
Bangalore
Kidney & Hypertension Care, Bangalore
Dr. Kity Sarkar
Nephrologist
15 Years • MBBS,MD(Genl. Med.), DrNB(NEPHROLOGY)
Kolkata
Dr. Kity Sarkar's Clinic, Kolkata
D. Akshay Zalavadiya
Nephrologist
3 Years • MBBS, MD, DM Nephrology
Ahmedabad
Beacon kidney consult, Ahmedabad
Dr. Siddharth Herur
Nephrologist
4 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Nephrology
Kurnool
Medicover hospital and Gurudatta poly clinic, Kurnool
Dr. Anantha Rao
Nephrologist
7 Years • MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), DNB (Nephrology)
Kurnool
Aakash hospital and KIMS hospital, Kurnool
Consult Top Kidney Doctor
Dr. Hareesha Babu K
Nephrologist
25 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology),FASN, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP (Edin)
Bangalore
Kidney & Hypertension Care, Bangalore
Dr. Kity Sarkar
Nephrologist
15 Years • MBBS,MD(Genl. Med.), DrNB(NEPHROLOGY)
Kolkata
Dr. Kity Sarkar's Clinic, Kolkata
D. Akshay Zalavadiya
Nephrologist
3 Years • MBBS, MD, DM Nephrology
Ahmedabad
Beacon kidney consult, Ahmedabad
Dr. Siddharth Herur
Nephrologist
4 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Nephrology
Kurnool
Medicover hospital and Gurudatta poly clinic, Kurnool
Dr. Anantha Rao
Nephrologist
7 Years • MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), DNB (Nephrology)
Kurnool
Aakash hospital and KIMS hospital, Kurnool
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