Satish Shah underwent kidney transplant few months in the past: What are professionals and cons of kidney transplant, is dialysis safer?

Kidney transplant vs dialysis

In a March 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sujeeth Reddy, senior marketing consultant nephrologist on the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, mentioned the professionals and cons of kidney transplants and in contrast them to dialysis.

“Dialysis is a procedure that removes waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so,” stated the nephrologist. He additionally defined the 2 varieties of dialysis: hemodialysis (HD), through which blood is filtered by way of a machine exterior the physique, and peritoneal dialysis (PD), through which the stomach lining acts as a filter, with fluid exchanges executed manually or through a machine.

“A kidney transplant involves replacing a failed kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor. It offers the best long-term outcome for most ESRD patients,” Dr Reddy added.

What are the professionals and cons of kidney transplant

According to him, the benefits of kidney transplantation are:

⦿ Better high quality of life: No want for frequent dialysis classes.

⦿ Longer survival: Transplant sufferers sometimes reside longer than these on dialysis.

⦿ Fewer dietary restrictions in comparison with dialysis.

⦿ More vitality and fewer issues associated to kidney failure.

As per Dr Reddy, the disadvantages of kidney transplantation embody:

⦿ Not everyone seems to be eligible: Requires good total well being and compatibility with the donor.

⦿ Lifelong immunosuppressive medicines: These stop rejection however can improve the chance of infections and different unwanted side effects.

⦿ Limited availability of organs: Many sufferers stay on the ready record for years.

⦿ Surgical dangers: Includes an infection, bleeding, and potential rejection of the brand new kidney.

Dialysis vs kidney transplant: Which is healthier?

Dialysis is usually thought-about safer within the quick time period, because it would not contain main surgical procedure. However, a kidney transplant is usually the higher long-term choice for eligible sufferers, providing improved high quality of life and longer survival.

“For eligible patients, kidney transplantation is generally the best option because it offers a better quality of life and longer survival. However, dialysis is a necessary and effective alternative for those who are not candidates for transplantation,” Dr Sujeeth Reddy stated. “The choice depends on medical suitability, availability of a donor, and patient preferences. Consulting a nephrologist can help determine the best approach for each individual,” Dr Reddy, additional defined.

Note to readers: This article is for informational functions solely and never an alternative to skilled medical recommendation. Always search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.