Kidney Function

The kidneys are organs gland, which bears the important function of producing urine, on both sides of the spinal column. They are on the outside of the cavity perioneal, occupying the posterior region of the abdomen, at the height of the last two dorsal vertebrae and the first three lumbanres. The kidneys are never equal, in general being left something larger. The difference in level is typically 2 cm on the left being higher. Each kidney (including some which glandular formations are located in the upper pole, adrenal glands) is housed in a capsule called fibroadipose cell, with walls formed by a fibrous tissue. These walls leave an opening at the bottom surrounding the ureter to the bladder, so the kidney can sometimes descend (nefroptosis) in particular tissues of the capsule fibroadipose fibroadipose is lower than normal.

Kidney bean-shaped, with two sides, front and rear, a convex outer edge, an inner edge, concave in its center, and two rounded poles, top and bottom. In the hilar blood vessels entering and leaving the ureter and is immediately followed by a deep cavity, called within the kidney.

Contained within the kidney, surrounded by a fatty mass, the many divisions of renal vessels and ducts of the home appliance excretorio. The breast has a more or less rectangular, flat front and back is surrounded on all sides by the least hilar renal parenchyma by

The science of kidney transplantation has evolved rapidly in recent history. A great deal has been learned about immunobiology of the alloimmune response, the mechanism of action of immunosuppresive agents, and also the pathophysiology of acute and chronic transplant rejection. Constantly, new immunosuppresive agents are being developed and tested and fine tuned in clinical trials and then introduced into actual clinical practice.

However, this entire process can also be quite frustrating. The demand for cadaveric organs is always increasing, while the supply has remained relatively the same. It is not uncommon for patients to wait months or even years for organs and many end up experiencing detrimental if not fatal loss of kidney function. Even though new immunosuppressive agents may have a favorable impact on the early post-transplant course, the way they impact the development of chronic graft failure is still not certain. If the supply of available organs is to be increased, it may mean introducing organs of less quality that may provide limited long-term kidney function.

The relatively high success rate of tranpslantation has brought with it unique and unanticipated challenges. The entire transplant community needs to know how to reap the benefits of new agents and protocols without increasing the risk of infection or the development of cancer.

Although kidney transplantation technology is still growing and evolving, so are the obstacles that it faces.

The loss of proper kidney function will impact several areas of your life, possibly including your sex life. It is not uncommon for sexual desire to be affected by chronic illness such as kidney disease.

Whether or not you will retain the ability to enjoy sexual activity, whether male or female, depends heavily on you as an individual. Several men who suffer or who have suffered from kidney failure have reported trouble with impotence (difficulty having or maintaining an erection). Problems with ejaculation are another possibility for men. However, in general, your ability to participate in sexual activity and enjoy sexual intercourse is still very much possible.

If you have found that your sex life has been affected by your illness, speak to your physician or social worker about possible treatments for the problems you are experiencing. In many cases, the stress and anxiety related to kidney failure and the subsequent treatment alone can adversely impact your sexual appetite as well as your ability to enjoy sex as usual.

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There have been several magazines published that include articles about adjusting to the repercussions of kidney failure. You may want to check out the following publications that deal with issues pertaining to kidney failure, dialysis, and transplantation:

• Renal Life (The AAKP Bulletin)
• For Patients Only
• Family Focus
• Patient Advisory News