Living with Kidney failure can be challenging for many people. A kidney transplant is hoped to save a life when both kidneys lose the ability to function. Currently, an estimated 220000 people in India need kidney transplants annually, and 90% of transplanted kidneys originate from living donors and just 10% from deceased donors. This is a comprehensive overview of kidney transplantation. Continue reading further to know more about Kidney transplant, dialysis, and the hopes & challenges associated with these procedures.

 

Dialysis

 

Dialysis is a medical treatment that helps to eliminate waste and extra fluid from the blood when both kidneys lose their ability to function. For people with end-stage kidney disease, where kidneys are unable to filter the blood, it's a lifesaving treatment.

 

There are two main types of dialysis:

• Haemodialysis
• Peritoneal Dialysis

 

Basis of differentiate	Haemodialysis	Peritoneal dialysis
	This process involves eliminating the waste and the extra fluid from the body by using a machine that filters the blood outside the body.	This process involves eliminating the waste and the extra fluid from the body through a artifically placed tube called peritoneal catheter where lining of abdomen acts as a filter. Prepackaged cleansing fluid flows in tummy where it stays for several hours and than it is drained out and fresh fluid is instilled.
Timing	On average Three times per week (four hours each session)	Daily treatment (On average 12 hours per day)
Place	This procedure ideally requires a dialysis facility . Someplaces , home hemodialysis is also possible.	This procedure is to be done at home after the patient and care giver are trained

 

It is an essential therapy for those with end-stage kidney disease as it is a lifesaving treatment but people may find it challenging due to emotional and physical impact on patients.

 

Kidney Transplant

 

Kidney transplantation involves transplanting a healthy kidney from a donor into a patient with end stage renal disease . There are several steps involved in the process of getting a kidney transplant:

 

First step involves finding a donor. Donors can be living or deceased. A willing family member can be a donor after proper evaluation. Deceased persons are those who have signed up to donate their organs after death.

 

Step 2: After a family donor has been identified, the donor will undergo examination and further evaluation which includes several medical tests to ensure their fitness for donating.

 

Step 3: After the successful evaluation, the transplant surgery begins where a healthy kidney is harvested from the donor , and the new kidney is surgically implanted in the patient . The surgery lasts few hours, and patient must stay in hospital for a few days to recover.

 

Unlike dialysis, kidney transplantation significantly improves the patients' lifestyle by providing better outcomes. Majority of patients who opt for kidney transplantation have a higher rate of long-term survival and less complication than dialysis.

 

Hopes & Challenges

 

While kidney transplant provides a life-changing opportunity for patients with end-stage kidney disease, a set of hopes and challenges must be considered.

 

HOPES:

Potential for Improved Health: One of the biggest hopes associated with kidney transplantation is the possibility of better and improved health of the patients.

Better Quality of Life: Patients can often get back to a better lifestyle with a successful transplant.

 

CHALLENGES:

 

Some challenges need to be overcome to maintain health after kidney transplantation.

 

Risk of rejection by the Immune System: This occurs when the immune system attacks the transplanted kidney. To prevent this, patients must take immunosuppressant medications regularly. These medications might have side effects, balancing medication to prevent rejection while minimizing side effects is essential.

 

Regular check-ups: Consistent medical care is essential for the success of a kidney transplant. Patients must have regular check-ups to monitor their health and manage any potential complications that might arise. They should continue their medications regularly under Nephrologist guidance.

 

Balanced Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is imperative, which includes eating a balanced diet, exercising consistently, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. By doing so, the risk of complications can be reduced, thus improving the overall health of the transplanted kidney.

Conclusion

 

Treatment for end-stage kidney disease is either kidney transplant or dialysis. Both treatments have their advantages and challenges. Dialysis involves removal of waste products and extra fluids from the body regularly but dialysis is a time-consuming process and can have an emotional or physical impact on the patient Kidney transplantation involves transplanting a healthy kidney in a patient with end stage renal disease. It offers an extended and better quality of life but must overcome the challenges like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular medications and follow up . It is essential to visit the Nephrologist regularly for check-up.

For instant betterment, reach out to Dr. Manish Jain for accurate diagnostics and treatments.