Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition that affects the body’s ability to remove waste and excess fluids. When kidney function declines significantly, advanced treatment becomes necessary. Dialysis and kidney transplant are the two main treatment options recommended for patients with kidney failure, each offering different benefits and lifestyle outcomes.
In this blog, we explain the key differences between dialysis and kidney transplant to help you make an informed decision and understand available treatment options at a kidney transplant hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat.
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a process used to treat patients whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. This is a common treatment option when kidneys lose more than 85% of their function and the GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is below 15. This procedure is intended to balance and improve your quality of life. The medical treatment removes excess waste and salt from your blood. A patient undergoing dialysis has a life expectancy on dialysis that varies significantly depending on age, overall health, and quality of care.
Common types of dialysis recommended for patients are-
- Haemodialysis – A machine is used to take out your blood and return the filtered blood. You need this dialysis at least three times every week.
- Peritoneal dialysis – In this process, your belly lining acts as a filter. The experts put a cleansing fluid into your abdomen through a tube. After a few hours, they drain the fluid to restore your kidney’s health.
What is a Kidney Transplant?
Some experts recommend organ transplant surgery to treat patients who have non-functional kidneys. They replace the damaged kidney with a donor kidney. This rental process will extend your lifespan, but you must meet certain medical criteria to be eligible for the treatment.
Kidney transplant can be categorized in 2 ways:
- Sometimes, a deceased person’s family donates the organ to benefit others.
- Living persons can also donate one of their kidneys to the patient to reduce the waiting time.
How Does Dialysis Improve Your Lifestyle?
The experts create a proper routine for patients undergoing dialysis. For haemodialysis treatment, you need to attend sessions frequently. Strict schedules and dietary restrictions are common for those who need dialysis. You can take limited fluid, as your body cannot manage excess water and salt.
Peritoneal dialysis can be conducted at home; however, proper hygiene is important for this treatment.
Does a Kidney Transplant Affect Your Lifestyle?
Your life will be more flexible after a successful kidney transplant. You can resume your work and travel easily. Dietary restrictions are fewer when compared to other kidney treatments. However, you have to take daily medications that may cause side effects, such as infection and weight gain.
Still, most people prefer a transplant, as it gives them more freedom. You can consult a kidney transplant surgeon in Vadodara to determine your transplant eligibility criteria for the treatment.
Other Factors to Compare the Kidney Transplant and Dialysis
There are other ways to understand the difference between a kidney transplant and dialysis.
Effectiveness
A kidney transplant will have a positive effect on your lifestyle. Your life expectancy will be longer than with dialysis. The transplanted kidneys function normally. On the contrary, dialysis partially replaces kidney function.
Risks and costs
Dialysis may cause a few complications, such as vascular problems and low blood pressure. Transplants also lead to organ rejection and a few other risks.
Both kidney treatments are costly, but the initial cost of a transplant is higher. In the case of dialysis, you need to pay for ongoing treatment.
Conclusion
Both dialysis and kidney transplant play a vital role in managing advanced kidney disease. While dialysis helps remove waste and excess fluids when the kidneys are no longer functioning adequately, a kidney transplant offers a more long-term solution with improved quality of life for eligible patients. The right treatment depends on several factors, including your overall health, lifestyle, medical condition, and specialist recommendations.
At Parul Sevashram Hospital, our experienced urologists & nephrologists and kidney transplant specialists carefully evaluate each patient to recommend the most suitable treatment approach. With advanced medical facilities and a patient-centered care approach, we are committed to supporting you at every stage of your kidney health journey.
Book your consultation at Parul Sevashram Hospital, Vadodara, and get personalized guidance on dialysis or kidney transplant from trusted specialists.
