Choosing between kidney transplant and a lifetime of dialysis is an option that most patients with advance kidney disease need to think about, health experts say. A more satisfying and longer life is experienced by those who undergo kidney transplant, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), although it needs ample time for recovery. However, it is a common misconception that dialysis treatment will be able to sustain the many functions of the kidneys. It is important not to lose hope, renal experts believe, even though the effects of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may seem overwhelming. Waiting idly for a healthy kidney may seem difficult for those with ESRD though.
Dialysis
This is the treatment that most people need to take because they need to remove the waste and extra fluid in the blood. More health complications may be experienced when the blood is not cleansed. Two types of dialysis treatment are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. It is important to choose between the two as it will greatly impact the health and the life of the patient. Peritoneal dialysis may be a feasible option as it gives patients option not to use a machine. There are still several side effects that patients need to be aware of.
Kidney Transplant
The failing kidneys are supported by the transplanted kidney. However, it is often difficult to wait for a kidney because of the long list of patients and the scarcity of donors. In some cases, patients have died but they were still not able to get a healthy kidney. A kidney transplant may be difficult but it offers a more satisfying life than when patients are under dialysis, health experts believe. There is a possibility that the recipient might reject the donated kidney, hence, the recipient needs to take medications for a lifetime.
Through the help of research, experts are able to know that long-term use of dialysis is not good for the body because it may also cause problems in the long run. Although some patients may benefit from having a healthy kidney, there are also some who would rather choose a more conservative approach. These individuals refuse to go through a kidney transplant or dialysis treatment because of the possible health complications, hence, they rather choose to have a more conservative approach. Those who are afraid of the side effects of dialysis and kidney transplant opted to find a more conservative treatment method.
URL References:
bidmc.org/Centers-and-Departments/Departments/Transplant-Institute/Kidney/The-Benefits-of-Transplant-versus-Dialysis.aspxficult
medscape.com/viewarticle/752521_2