Is a Kidney Transplant Better Than Dialysis?
If you have been diagnosed with kidney failure, you have several options. Generally speaking, there are two main treatments if your kidney failure is permanent: dialysis or a kidney transplant.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nearly 808,000 people in the United States are living with end-stage kidney disease, with 69% on dialysis and 31% with a kidney transplant.
Here are the pros and cons of each option, and how to decide which is the best option for you.
The Pros and Cons of Dialysis for Kidney Failure
Dialysis is a procedure that allows you to live without functioning kidneys. It is a blood-filtering process in which a machine takes over the essential role of your kidneys, removing waste, salt, and extra water to prevent them from building up in your body.
While dialysis can be a life-saving process that keeps your body as healthy as possible while you look for a donor, it can be very tiring and time-consuming. Certain types of dialysis require going to a dialysis center or hospital several days a week for about four hours per session. Other types can be done at home, but require multiple daily sessions or one long session overnight, which can also be physically and emotionally taxing.
In addition to fatigue, dialysis can cause discomfort and side effects including muscle cramps, low blood pressure, and headaches. There’s also a risk of infection at the access site. Lifestyle changes may also be required, including limiting fluid intake and dietary restrictions.
Dialysis can be very effective in the short term, alleviating symptoms of kidney failure such as fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath, but the survival rate is poor over the long term, with a 5-year survival rate of just 35%.
The Pros and Cons of a Kidney Transplant for Kidney Failure
A kidney transplant can offer a new lease on life for those with kidney failure, bringing numerous benefits such as improved health, increased freedom, and a better quality of life. However, kidney transplants do come with potential risks and challenges.
With a successful kidney transplant, whether from a deceased donor or a living donor, dialysis will no longer be required. The transplant recipient will have a new kidney implanted in their body, which should take over the role of the nonfunctional kidneys.
Aside from regular follow-ups and addressing any complications, a kidney transplant does not involve ongoing medical procedures like dialysis. After a period of recovery, transplant patients will be able to resume their normal lives, with few restrictions on diet and activities. Many recipients report a significant increase in energy levels and an overall improvement in physical well-being.
Kidney transplant recipients generally live longer than those who remain on dialysis, with a five-year survival rate of between 82% and 93%.
On the downside, most people who need a kidney transplant must search for a living donor or wait for a matching kidney from a deceased donor. Depending on the patient’s individual situation, that wait can range from weeks to years.
Kidney transplants also pose physical risks, from the usual risks associated with surgery to the potential for organ rejection. If the transplant is successful, the recipient will also be required to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the body from rejecting the organ. These drugs can have serious side effects. However, there may be help on the horizon. In 2023, a company called ImmunoFree began using new stem cell technology to eliminate the need for immunosuppressive medications. Learn more.
If you have been diagnosed with permanent kidney failure and are deciding between dialysis and a kidney transplant, it’s crucial to have detailed discussions with your healthcare team. They can provide personalized advice, support, and information to help you navigate this complex decision and prepare for the road ahead. Remember, every individual’s situation is unique, and what works best for one person may not be the right choice for another.