Patients with advance kidney disease need to think about their health options such as choosing between a lifetime of dialysis treatment or go through a kidney transplant, health care professionals 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, some patients think that they may be able to live through life with only dialysis treatment. It is important not to lose hope, renal experts believe, even though the effects of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may seem overwhelming. However, the rise and fall of the number of kidney donation may make it hard for patients with ESRD to wait idly for a healthy kidney.

Dialysis

The extra fluid and waste in the blood is remove through the help of this procedure. More health complications may be experienced when the blood is not cleansed. Patients may choose between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Choosing between the two may also make an impact on the life of the patient. There are some who would choose to go through a peritoneal dialysis as it will allow them more freedom. However, they need to be aware that dialysis treatments have several side effects.

Kidney Transplant

The failing kidneys are supported by the transplanted kidney. However, the scarcity of kidney donors may make it hard for patients to wait for the life-saving organ. Some patients have even died while waiting. It is difficult to wait for a kidney but it offers patients longer and more satisfying life, 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.

Long-term use of the dialysis treatment is not advisable as there are many side effects that may be experienced by patients, research shows. Although some patients may benefit from having a healthy kidney, there are also some who would rather choose a more conservative approach. The possible health complications associated with dialysis treatment and kidney transplant have pushed patients to consider a more conservative method. 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