Medical Nutrition Therapy During Organ Transplantation

Many nutritional problems may be encountered after organ transplantation. Nutrition therapy in this process both accelerates the adaptation process of the transplanted organ and treats it by eliminating the side effects caused by the drugs used.

Organ transplantation is the treatment of the patient by replacing the damaged organ due to incurable diseases with a healthy and new organ taken from a living or cadaver.

Organ transplantation is a good alternative to improve the quality of life of patients. Transplantation improves quality of life by removing many of the limitations experienced by the disease.

Early nutritional therapy immediately after organ transplantation accelerates the adaptation process of the transplanted organ.

In patients who complain of nutrient restriction due to organ damage before transplantation, having a wider diet immediately after transplantation increases compliance and motivation. The adaptation process to the new organ also increases the need for energy and nutrients.

Due to the drugs used in the early period and surgical stress, the blood sugar level may remain high and may continue during the discharge period. Considering this situation, nutrition programs are created like an individual with diabetes.

Protein sources are the most important nutrients in post-surgical wound healing.

Tissue building and repair is one of the most important functions of proteins in the body. After organ transplantation, high protein and high energy nutrition recommendations are made to the patients. Nutritional treatment varies depending on the transplanted organ.

Kidney transplant is one of the most common transplant procedures. It is performed to return kidney functions to normal in individuals with incurable end-stage renal disease. After the surgical procedure, high-energy and protein medical nutrition therapy is started to accelerate wound healing.

Malnutrition is common in liver transplant patients. Therefore, little and frequent feeding is recommended. If oral consumption is insufficient, it is supported by enteral (energy and nutritional support status) or parenteral (digestive system not used) nutrition. In kidney transplantation, calcium and vitamin D are followed to prevent osteoporosis.

Many nutritional problems may be encountered after organ transplantation. Increased blood lipid levels, cardiovascular health problems, obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and changes in vitamin D levels are among the most common health problems. Potassium restriction may be required as hyperkalemia may develop after transplantation.

The rapid increase in body weight and the resulting increase in body fat after organ transplantation may cause long-term health problems in individuals.

Considering the problems that may occur after all these surgical procedures, a nutrition program is prepared to meet the individual's daily energy, protein and vitamin-mineral needs. After the surgical procedure, the limitations we make in end-stage renal failure are reduced.

Concomitant use of many drugs after transplantation may cause side effects such as diarrhea, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Medical nutrition therapy is designed to prevent and treat these problems.

Individuals can now consume the water they miss the most with peace of mind. However, hydration levels should also be closely monitored after transplantation.

Now, less salty ones can be preferred instead of salt-free meals and breads. It can use tomato paste and spices in meals. He can consume five to six servings of vegetables and fruits a day. Oil preference should be chosen from vegetable oils. Tail fat, lard, butter and solid fats should not be consumed.

Sugar and sugar-containing foods such as jam, honey, marmalade should be avoided. Avoid fried and excessively oily meals, pastries such as cakes, pastries, pastries, and pies. Bulgur instead of rice, whole wheat, rye and wholemeal breads can be preferred instead of white bread.

It is recommended to avoid the consumption of unknown foods. Pomegranate, grapefruit, marigold, St. John's Wort, herbal teas are not recommended during this period as they may affect the treatment process. Additional nutritional supplements should not be used unless recommended by the physician and dietitian.

The most important issue after transplantation is food safety. Food safety starts from the moment you decide to take a food and continues until the moment you consume it.

Recommendations on food safety;

- Eating out should be avoided.

- Vegetables and fruits should be washed well and consumed.

- Meat should be well cooked.

- When purchasing milk, pasteurized or UHT should be preferred.

- The shell of the egg to be consumed should be intact, the outside should be clean and it should be stored in the refrigerator.

- Foods containing raw eggs and sauces should be avoided.

- Attention should be paid to hygiene while preparing meals.

- Hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds and dried with a dry and clean towel or paper towel.

Phone: 0.342.211 50 00 (5473 - 5474)

Ambulance: 0.342.211 50 00 (5111)

:2022-07-29 16:29:23