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Best Nephrologists for Kidney Transplant in Abu Dhabi, UAE

This page lists 1 kidney transplant doctor in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 1 kidney transplant doctor in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Kidney Transplant doctors in Abu Dhabi, UAE

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

Kidney Transplant doctors

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Dr. Venkat Sainaresh Vellanki

MSc — Solid Organ Transplantation, Accredited Fellowship — Kidney-Pancreas Transplantation, Division of Multiorgan Transplantation, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network (UHN), University of Toronto, Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology (FASN), Designated Specialist Certification in Clinical Hypertension, Adult Nephrology Board Examination (RCPSCA), Accredited Clinical Fellowship — Adult Nephrology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, DM (Nephrology), Senior Residency in Nephrology, MD (Internal Medicine)
HOD & Consultant Transplant Nephrologist · Specialty: Nephrology & Kidney Transplant
Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Nephrology & Kidney Transplant
  • Head of Department & Director of Transplant Nephrology — Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Present)
  • Clinical Fellowship — Kidney-Pancreas Transplantation, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network (UHN), University of Toronto, Canada
Expertise & Procedures
  • Kidney transplantation — deceased and living donor
  • ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation
  • Simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation
  • Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation
  • Redo (second/third) kidney transplants
View all procedures →
Nephrology & Kidney Transplant Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi
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Hospitals where these doctors practise

Why consider treatment in UAE?

Many international patients consider UAE for nephrology treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

About the Procedure

What is Kidney Transplant?

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a patient whose kidneys have failed due to conditions such as chronic kidney disease, ESRD, diabetic nephropathy, or polycystic kidney disease. It restores normal kidney function, eliminates the need for regular dialysis, and significantly improves quality of life and long-term survival. India is a leading destination for kidney transplants due to skilled transplant surgeons, high success rates, and cost-effective packages for international patients.

Who may be considered?

Kidney Transplant may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.

How does it work?

A kidney is surgically removed from a healthy, medically compatible living donor (often a relative) and transplanted into the recipient, typically offering shorter waiting times and excellent long-term outcomes.

2 approaches available for this procedure:

Living Donor Kidney Transplant

Most Popular

A kidney is surgically removed from a healthy, medically compatible living donor (often a relative) and transplanted into the recipient, typically offering shorter waiting times and excellent long-term outcomes.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $800 - $2,000

Blood grouping and cross-matching, HLA typing, CBC, kidney and liver function tests, viral markers (HIV, Hepatitis B & C), urine analysis, chest X-ray, ECG, echocardiogram, CT angiography of renal vessels, ultrasound abdomen for donor and recipient

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $13,000 - $19,000

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~3-4 days
Hospitalisation: ~10-12 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~30 days recommended
Total stay: approx 40-45 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Donor and recipient pre-transplant workup
  • Surgeon, anesthetist and OT charges
  • ICU and ward stay for both donor and recipient
  • Immunosuppressant medications during hospital stay
  • Post-operative nursing care and monitoring

Usually Not Included

  • Long-term immunosuppressant medications after discharge
  • Visa, travel and accommodation outside hospital stay
  • Donor evaluation travel costs if donor is abroad
  • Legal/ethics committee approval fees
  • Treatment of post-transplant complications

Recovery and follow-up

Most patients require 4-6 weeks of close monitoring in India for medication adjustment, kidney function checks, and early detection of rejection before returning home. Lifelong immunosuppressant therapy and regular follow-up with a nephrologist are essential for graft survival.

Risks

Risks include organ rejection, infection due to immunosuppression, surgical complications (bleeding, blood clots), and side effects of long-term immunosuppressant medications. Regular monitoring significantly reduces these risks and improves long-term graft survival.

Alternatives

For patients not eligible or not yet ready for transplant, ongoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis remain the main alternatives to manage kidney failure, though they do not restore full kidney function like a transplant.

What we need to prepare a formal estimate

Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.

Reports required

  • Recent kidney function tests (serum creatinine, eGFR, urea)
  • Dialysis history and current dialysis prescription
  • Blood group and HLA typing reports of patient and potential donor
  • Ultrasound/CT of kidneys and urinary tract
  • Cardiac evaluation (ECG, echocardiogram)
  • Viral marker reports (HIV, Hepatitis B & C)
  • List of current medications and comorbidities
  • Biopsy reports if underlying kidney disease was previously diagnosed

Patient information needed

  • Age, weight and general health status of patient and donor
  • Cause and duration of kidney disease (e.g., diabetes, PKD)
  • Current dialysis type and frequency, if applicable
  • Availability and relationship of a potential living donor
  • Blood group of patient and potential donor
  • History of previous transplants or organ rejection
  • Any known allergies or history of major surgeries
  • Insurance coverage or budget for treatment

Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.

Want a formal estimate?

Share your reports and patient information so our care coordination team can review your case.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location and procedure (Kidney Transplant) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Kidney Transplant in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What is Kidney Transplant?
Kidney Transplant is a health condition whose presentation and severity can vary between patients. A clinician considers the reported symptoms, medical history, physical examination, relevant risk factors and appropriate investigations rather than relying on one symptom or test alone.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Kidney Transplant?
Symptoms and health effects of Kidney Transplant depend on the underlying cause, duration and severity. A person may have condition-related symptoms, reduced function or complications, while some people have few obvious symptoms. New, worsening or severe symptoms should be discussed with a qualified clinician; symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.
How is Kidney Transplant diagnosed?
Assessment for Kidney Transplant usually starts with a detailed history and examination. Depending on the concern, the clinician may review previous records, order blood tests, imaging or other condition-appropriate investigations, and arrange specialist review. The diagnosis and treatment plan should be based on the complete clinical picture and not on an online page alone.
How is Kidney Transplant treated?
Treatment for Kidney Transplant depends on the confirmed diagnosis, severity, cause, overall health and treatment goals. It may include observation or lifestyle and supportive care, medicines, rehabilitation, specialist monitoring, or a procedure such as Kidney Transplant when clinically appropriate. A specialist should explain expected benefits, limitations, alternatives and risks.
Can Kidney Transplant be treated without a procedure?
Many patients with Kidney Transplant may first be considered for non-surgical care, such as monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, nutrition or activity changes, symptom management and treatment of related health issues. Whether this is suitable depends on the diagnosis and response to care; non-surgical treatment should not be stopped or changed without medical advice.
When is Kidney Transplant considered for Kidney Transplant?
Kidney Transplant may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Kidney Transplant?
Kidney Transplant is commonly assessed by a Nephrology specialist. Depending on the diagnosis, a radiologist, physician, surgeon, rehabilitation professional or other member of a multidisciplinary team may also contribute. The appropriate doctor depends on the symptoms, confirmed diagnosis and whether a procedure is being considered.
How do I choose a doctor for Kidney Transplant?
Compare a Nephrology doctor's experience with Kidney Transplant, the type of cases they manage, relevant procedure experience where applicable, hospital affiliation, diagnostic approach, multidisciplinary support and follow-up plan. Ask which treatment options fit your diagnosis and what information the doctor needs before giving an opinion.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.
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