Is Kidney Transplant Better Than Dialysis?

Most patients and their families are confused about whether they should opt for a kidney transplant or continue with dialysis. Dr. Sumanta Mishra, a prominent urologist in Bhubaneswar, has provided insight regarding this matter in the article below.

Dr.Sumanta Mishra Created on 11th Feb, 22

People who suffer from end-stage kidney disease or renal failure have two treatment options: a lifetime of dialysis or kidney transplant.

 

Most patients and their families are confused about whether they should opt for a kidney transplant or continue with dialysis.

 

Dr. Sumanta Mishra, a prominent urologist in Bhubaneswar, has provided insight regarding this matter in the article below. 

 

He is the Head of Renal Transplant Surgery in KIMS Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He is an expert in a wide range of urological treatments and procedures, including uro-oncology, pediatric urology, gynecological urology, and kidney stone treatment in Bhubaneswar.

 

Let’s begin with understanding what chronic kidney disease is?

Chronic renal disease or end-stage renal disease is an irreversible, long-term kidney impairment that might worsen over time. The symptoms of this condition are anemia, toxic build-up, elevated serum creatinine, and bone mineral abnormalities.

 

Your kidneys may stop working if the damage is severe. In this case, you will require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

 

Continue reading to know the differences between dialysis and a kidney transplant, as it will help you make an informed decision.

Dialysis 

Dialysis
Image Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-dialysis-2085855

Dialysis is a process that removes the excess fluids, toxins, and waste products from the body by filtering your blood. Dialysis can be done in two ways:

 

Hemodialysis: 

In hemodialysis, the blood from your body passes through the tubes into the dialysis machine for filtering. It is done through the vascular access. You will need this procedure around three times a week in the hospital, with each session lasting four hours.

 

Peritoneal dialysis: 

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, is a type of home dialysis in which dialysate is introduced into the peritoneal cavity and then withdrawn after the designated period. It is done 3-5 times a day and once at night.

 

Dr. Sumanta Mishra, a leading urologist in Bhubaneswar, says that dialysis does come with its set of potentially serious complications, such as:

  • HIV infection
  • Blood infection
  • Low blood pressure
  • Cramps 
  • Hepatitis B or C
  • Cerebrovascular or cardiovascular issues

 

To avoid medical emergencies, doctors recommend regular dialysis, but the monthly cost is high. Further, the patient has to take multiple medications to keep his vital parameters under control. In addition, there is a strict restriction on fluid and diet intake.

 

Kidney Transplant

 

Image Source: https://nephcure.org/livingwithkidneydisease/kidney-failure/transplant/

The surgeon will transplant a healthy donor kidney during a kidney transplant. The transplanted kidney functions in place of the diseased kidney, and the patient is no longer on dialysis. 

 

After a transplant, the patient's life quality and life expectancy increase dramatically. By 6 to 8 weeks, the patient can resume their regular routine. When compared to a dialysis patient, the financial load is much reduced.

Despite its drawbacks, such as acute and chronic rejection, kidney transplantation is still better than dialysis. Acute transplant rejection is reversible, whereas chronic rejection occurs over time.

 

If you want to learn more about kidney transplant and whether it is the right treatment for you or your loved one, you can visit Dr. Sumanta Mishra, a competent urologist in Bhubaneswar.

 

Kidney transplant or dialysis????

Before undergoing a kidney transplant, most patients wonder about the difference in the quality of life between dialysis and a new, working kidney. 

 

Multiple studies have found that kidney transplant patients surviving with a donated kidney for ten years have a higher chance of still being alive than those on dialysis.

 

Dialysis can restore around 10 to 20% of kidney function compared to kidney transplants, which improves renal function up to 50 to 60%. 

 

Individuals who receive a new kidney fare better than those on dialysis in terms of survival alone. However, there are numerous more advantages to having a new kidney for a person suffering from kidney disease.

 

Listed below are some reasons why a kidney transplant is a better option than dialysis.

  • Less restrictive dietary restrictions
  • No dialysis needed
  • No more complications due to dialysis 
  • Travelling becomes easier
  • Lesser treatment cost
  • After a transplant, patients can expect to live up to 25 years.
  • Patients feel more confident and active after transplant.
  • Even when surgery complications and immune suppressive medicines are taken into account, a transplant is still the preferable alternative.

 

To reduce the risk of organ rejection after a kidney transplant, you will be required to take medications and undergo routine monitoring.

 

Outlook 

After kidney transplant surgery, 98% of patients do not have any severe complications. Though kidney rejection is one of the most serious risks after the surgery, but that is uncommon as many tests and precautions are taken prior to the procedure.

 

Moreover, treatments are available to save the transplanted kidney if your body rejects the new kidney.

 

Dr. Sumanta Mishra has extensive experience in all types of kidney transplants and has successfully performed hundreds of them. You can consult this experienced urologist in Bhubaneswar at KIMS Hospital.

Relevant Blogs

Book an Appointment

Enter details,our team would approach to help you as soon as possible.

Phone icon
Call Now